Redbud Project "1000"

Posted by Steve Lettau 
on Apr 05, 2011
 

THE VISION:  Imagine 1,000 Redbud trees blooming all at once!  Envision our own neighborhood rivaling the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C.  Perhaps we could have a Redbud festival, or certainly be the talk of the town, or maybe the state? 

GOAL:  To plant 1,000 Redbud trees by 2013 along the Mequon-Thiensville River Walk and Vicinity.  If you live in Thiensville or Mequon, consider planting a Redbud in your front yard to help us reach this goal.

WHO: Mequon Thiensville Rotary Club | Sponsoring Garden Centers and Landscape Companies | and YOU!


Mequon-Thiensville Riverwalk Area

HOW WILL THEY BE PLANTED AND WHEN? :   Along with the donation of equipment and supplies, Mequon-Thiensville Rotary members will make it happen.  Maybe you want to help too?  We want to plant our first trees early in the spring of 2011.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT REDBUDS? : Google Redbuds and click on images.  Redbud trees are special for a number of reasons.  First, they have a filigree of pinkish red flowers later in May when spring finally arrives.  They develop an elegant branch structure, have beautiful foliage and fall color.  Second, they are somewhat unique to our area, but like the cherry blossom trees in Washington D.C., they will grow here.  The picture above is a picture of an old Redbud tree growing in Thiensville right now.  While common further south, here they are at their northern edge of winter hardiness.  Therefore, they should be planted in a somewhat protected location.  One hundred years ago, someone planted a grove of Redbud trees in Columbus, WI to the north and west of here.  Now, the source for the Redbuds we plant today originate from those hardy survivors living further north.

MONEY: 

  • Grants, sponsor donations, special quantity discounts, and you. 
  • Each tree will cost between $50 and $125. 
  • Consider donating for a tree or…maybe for a grove of 10 or 20 trees. 
  • Make check out to T-M Rotary Foundation
  • Donation Form

WHO TO CONTACT: