A
pril marks two important national "green"
holidays: Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Instead of hosting two events, the city of
Wilmington, Delaware, decided to have one
large-scale event to celebrate the Earth and
trees all at once.
The event attracted more than 1,000
community members and 200 local school
children to Rodney Square to celebrate Mother
Nature. More than 20 vendors representing
environmental and sustainable businesses in
the area, including Davey and Kerns Brothers
Tree Service & Landscaping, a Davey company,
attended as well.
"We decided to have a double event to drive
more public outreach," Gaskill says. "The event
made a great venue to advocate trees and the
importance of the Wilmington tree canopy
for the future."
Jason Gaskill, assistant district manager at
Davey's Wilmington office and a member of
the Wilmington Tree Commission, helped
secure Davey's and Kerns' involvement as
sponsors in the event. The city also partnered
with the Delaware Center for Horticulture,
Delaware Forest Service and Delaware Estuary.
"Many people do not understand the tree
and arboriculture industry," Gaskill says. "It's
important to spread awareness about the
benefits of trees to a community that only sees
trees as a burden."
Davey contributed a bucket truck with a
A Grand Prize
Although this Red Sunset red maple tree
had yet to leaf out its spring growth, Davey
volunteers dazzled it in green lights for
the Kent State University Athletics' fourth
annual Scholarship Auction in April. Davey
donated the tree, which represented a
different tree that was auctioned off during
the event to help raise money for the
scholarship fund. Davey Nursery employees
later planted the "prop" tree, which was on
display at Kent State's Memorial Athletic
and Convocation Center during the event,
at the John Davey Arboretum in Kent, Ohio.
Nursery employees pictured left to right:
Cody Klintworth and Jason Garber.
July/August 2015 | 7
Davey employees who love to celebrate Earth Day.
Phil Sabo climbs the tree while Alan Jensen-Sellers teaches
elementary school students proper climbing techniques.
Two Earthy Holidays, One Big Event
Idea submitted by: Jason Gaskill, assistant district manager, Wilmington R/C
"Happy Earth Day" poster hanging from the
top, which welcomed people to the event. In
addition to their informational booths, Davey
and Kerns demonstrated proper tree climbing
techniques for the elementary school students.
Children also participated in tree planting
lessons and environmental classes at the
Wilmington Library.
"I love my job and being an advocate for
trees," Gaskill says. "Davey continues to work
with the Delaware Center for Horticulture
in order to keep spreading public awareness
about trees and creating more community
tree advocates."
