CAPE GIRARDEAU TREE PLANTINGS REAP REWARDS

After 10 years of honorable mentions in the Governor's Town Treescape Awards competition, Cape Girardeau has won its second Citation of Merit from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

This time it was for the 70 trees planted in Washington Park on the northeast side of town. Parks and Recreation Department workers, along with help from the community, managed to transform a former city supply holding lot into a family gathering place.

Dan Muser, department director, said money for the trees came from Branch Out Missouri, a grant program through the Department of Conservation. Muser received a 60 percent grant for the Washington Park tree project and the city provided the other 40 percent.

Additional funds were awarded for Ranney Park on the southeast side of town.

Judges from around the state, including Cape Girardeau's urban forester Rocky Hayes, voted on projects. Each project was graded on quantity and quality of trees and maintenance after planting.

Washington Park won in the "municipality with over 20,000 population" category.

The annual award program was established to help people recognize the important role trees play in our lives. They help modify the climate by slowing down winter winds, and they provide shade in the summer.

Trees also help generate oxygen and trap dirt in the air.