Arbor Week in Oregon, the first full week in April, will see the dedication of the new Clatsop County Arboretum on the grounds of the Seaside Museum and Historical Society, 570 Necanicum Drive in Seaside on April 8 at 10:30 am. The public is invited.
Pacific Power developed the idea for the creation of the arboretum after the violent and highly destructive storm of December, 2007 knocked out power to North Coast communities for several days, a result largely of trees falling on power lines. To put the concept of "right tree, right place," into three dimensions and full color, the company offered a grant to build the garden.
"An arboretum of small trees will remind us that it is important to minimize the risk of trees crashing into power lines during storm events and that there are attractive choices for small trees that can grow near lines," said Shelia Holden, Regional Community Manager for Pacific Power. "As people replant trees near power lines, they’ll be able to look to the arboretum for ideas for beautiful trees that flourish in our area, but don’t harm power lines."
The Seaside Chamber of Commerce wrote the grant application, secured the cooperation of the Museum for the site and coordinated the project. The Oregon State Department of Forestry worked with Pamela Fleming, owner of Nature’s Helper, to design the area and select the trees.
The dedication will feature planting by the Seaside Middle School 7th grade science class and teacher Suzanna Kruger. Music will be provided by the Seaside High School Jazz Choir under the direction of Phil White with refreshments following at Butterfield Cottage on the Museum grounds.
The Chamber will continue to coordinate improvements to the Arboretum. Needed are fencing, birding stations, garden art, funds for ground level landscaping and on-going maintenance. Contributions and memorials maybe made through the Chamber offices (503) 738-6391.