Community Corner

Herndon Hopes to Take Part in Liberty Tree Memorial Project

The project has a goal of planting 1,000 Liberty Elm Tree Memorials across the country in 2011

Town Forester John Dudzinsky is working to get the word out about taking part in the Liberty Tree Memorial Project.

The project would bring a replica of Boston’s famous Liberty Tree to Herndon. The Liberty trees are living tributes to the Sons of Liberty, who rallied around the tree as resistance toward Britain grew.

The Liberty Tree Society approached the town about the project, asking them if they could raise money for the project and find a place for the tree to be planted, Dudzinsky said.

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The society is hoping that Herndon will become one of 1,000 sites for the Liberty Tree Memorials to be planted across the country in 2011. More than 470 towns have already established memorials, including the Chesapeake Municipal Center and Stafford Drive Park in Fairfax.

Dudzinsky said it would be great if the planting of the tree could coincide with NatureFest in the fall, which is a good time to plant trees. When the tree is planted a dedication will be held by Herndon High School’s Students Against Global Abuse and local Scout groups. 
The tree could be located centrally at Bready Park, Dudzinsky said. He said the town has a number of American elm trees planted at the park already.

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The program will help bring recognition to the town and also helps bring the American Elm back into the landscape, Dudzinsky said. “The more trees the better,” he said. “The $50 is not too much for the cost of a tree.”

According to the Liberty Tree Society, the American Liberty Elm has been tested and proven to be resistant to Dutch elm disease.

Dudzinsky said the program can also be used as a historical and education tool for area Scouts and other groups. The Herndon Historical Society is promoting the program as well.

The town needs to collect at least 50 memberships from area residents and it will receive a 10-foot American Liberty Elm Tree, a bronze memorial plaque and membership certificate.

Basic society membership is $25 and includes a membership certificate and full society membership is $50 and includes a 3-foot American Liberty Elm, ready to plant.

Dudzinsky said for those who want to become a member and purchase a tree, they need to be sure they have enough space for the tree to grow. “American elms get pretty big,” he said. He said the tree should also get full sun and not sitting in water.

To take part in the Liberty Tree Memorial Project, call 1-800-367-3567 or visit www.elmresearch.org and make sure to write that the order is for the Herndon project in the comments.

Those interested can also contact Dudzinsky at the town for an application at 703-435-6800, extension 2014.  


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