O
ne day of tree pruning can make
a huge difference.
Dave Piver, sales arborist at Davey's
Chesapeake R/C office, simply wanted to
help out in the community when he was intro-
duced to some tree care needs within Easton,
Maryland's Thompson Park: a 250-foot-by-
250-foot corner of the block in the center of
town. It had been in disarray for so many years,
the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore (GCES)
and the Town of Easton collaborated for more
than a year to plan its restoration.
But the partnership began much longer
before that; in fact, it began nearly four decades
ago when Rebecca Thompson, an early member
of the GCES, donated the land to become a
public park.
Years later, Thompson Park continued to
gradually lose the charm it once had. Although
it's the centerpiece of Easton's historic district,
the park needed substantial structural and
planting restoration. After all, many business
people and shoppers frequent the surrounding
areas on a regular basis.
That's when Davey stepped in.
"It was the perfect opportunity," Piver says.
"We wanted to do something for the community
that benefits everyone."
Not only did Davey prune all trees and
shrubs on the property, but crewmembers
also set-up a plant health care (PHC)
program, which the crew will apply annually
by donation, along with a lawn care program
to be determined at a later date. Pruning will
continue based on future needs.
Foreman Marvin Rios Rivera and Trimmer
Robert Hooper pruned the trees, while Sales
and Service Technicians Charles Hansen
and Norman Beckett will complete the PHC
program and lawn care program, respectively,
moving forward.
According to Piver, volunteering in the
community "feels fabulous."
"We really appreciate the work Davey did,"
says Dorothy Whitcomb, GCES member.
"The fact they were willing to do the work
pro bono made a huge difference for us."
This story was adapted from Dorothy Whitcomb's
article titled, "Thompson Park restoration work
begins," published on March 15, 2015, on The Star
Democrat's website, www.stardem.com.
The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore couldn't be happier
Davey stepped in to support a local park in disarray.
6 | September/October 2015
Below: Community members enjoy the recently restored
Thompson Park, located within the block in the center of
Easton, Maryland.
Right: Trimmer Robert Hooper (left) and Foreman Marvin
Rios Rivera prune trees to help restore Thompson Park.
Photos: Courtesy of Dorothy Whitcomb