In the novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” the main character, Francie Nolan, threads the theme of resilience overcoming adversity as she grows from a childhood of poverty in the slums of Brooklyn into a successful adulthood.
Wethersfield High School Student Council and FFA members planted their own trees that will grow in Windmont Park, Monday, the culmination of a campaign that raised over $4,500 last month to replace trees that were destroyed in the park by the July 15 tornado.
Their effort is significant since Windmont is the Kewanee Park District’s only park not eligible for funds which will be used to replant trees in the district’s other three parks since it is not located in what was determined to be a “disadvantaged” area by Trees Forever which awarded the grant.
Monday, a small army of Wethersfield students gathered to plant six new 10-to-12-foot trees which will someday shade the north end of the west side of Windmont’s north parking lot.
Kewanee Park District Executive Director Andrew Dwyer said that with the funds raised by the students they were able to purchase 22 replacement trees of various species. The remaining 16 are being planted around the park by district staff filling many of the spaces left open by the loss of 30-to-40 trees in the storm.
Dwyer said he selected quaking aspens for the students to plant since their white bark and green leaves that tremble, or “quake” in the breeze, represent Wethersfield’s school colors.
It’s not likely that anyone will write a book about these trees that will grow in Windmont, but they will serve as a quiet symbol and reminder of the community’s resilience in overcoming adversity following the tornadoes.
The park district will place a plaque at the foot of the trees planted Monday indicating the role the students at Wethersfield High School played in restoring the park for the benefit of generations to come, beginning with their own.
