Pottsville Tree City USA 36th anniversary observed in Greenwood Hill

Ron Devlin, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

POTTSVILLE — With a blooming Japanese red maple in the background, a banner was unfurled Friday morning on Greenwood Hill, observing the city’s 36th anniversary as a “Tree City USA.”

“The trees of Greenwood Hill are what make it Greenwood Hill,” Mayor Dave Clews said in an Arbor Day message.

“I urge all citizens to plant trees,” the mayor added, “to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”

Saying trees beautify a community, the mayor issued a proclamation declaring April 26 as Arbor Day in Pottsville. He presented a copy to representatives of the Pottsville Shade Tree Commission.

William Thomas, a forester with the state Bureau of Forestry, said Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872.

In Pennsylvania, it has been observed on the last Friday in April since 1920.

“I’m here to acknowledge Pottsville for its outstanding arbor care,” Thomas said.

Jane Kruse, a commission member, said the event recognized the many trees planted last year in the city.

The commission plants and maintains trees in neighborhoods throughout Pottsville.

Kruse wore a Smokey Bear outfit, including his classic Forest Ranger hat, in commemoration of his 80th anniversary.

The U.S. Forest Service unveiled the first drawing of Smokey Bear in August 1944. It showed a bear pouring water on a campfire.

Smokey would promote the service’s mantra that most forest fires are careless with the catchline, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

First introduced in 1947, the phrase was changed in 2001 to read “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Sue Reier, a commission member, said Rudy Wendelin was the artist for Smokey Bear posters from 1944 to 1973. He was responsible for Smokey’s name, hat, signature blue jeans and “Smokey” belt buckle.

Kruse, Reiter and fellow member Alice Ricketson did an a cappella performance of the song, “Smokey The Bear.”

“You can take a tip for Smokey, there’s nothing like a tree,” they sang. “Cause they’re good for kids to climb on and they’re beautiful to see.”