Trees make a comeback at Johnny Carson Park

Laura Sturza

January winds that uprooted nearly 40 of the city’s trees left

Burbank’s parks less green, but Thursday’s Civic Pride tree-planting

event aims to restore what the storms destroyed.

“It gives everybody a chance to contribute to the parks,” said

Susan Macfarlane, a Burbank Civic Pride Committee member. “[The

parks] belong to all of us, and it’s in our own best interest to keep

them looking good.”

While the city pays the cost for the bulk of its trees, the 48th

annual Plant-A-Tree month celebration relies on residents’

contributions to add to the city’s greenbelt, which sustained a loss

earlier this year.

“In a single event, we saw the single largest loss of trees in 20

years,” said Mike Flad, Park, Recreation and Community Services

Director. “While it’s an annual program, it’s especially needed this

year to help us replace the trees we lost.”

Each year, a different park is selected, based on need. Johnny

Carson Park was chosen this year because of its substantial losses in

the January wind storm.

Residents responded to the committee’s call for support by

donating $4,500, Macfarlane said. The funds are expected to pay for

30 trees. The past several years, contributions have been closer to

$3,500.

In addition, the city will plant seven trees in memory of the

seven astronauts killed Feb. 1 aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The

planting is in keeping with the city’s memorial tree program.

Residents who want to honor a family member or friend can pay $50

for a tree and the city will plant it in a park and hold a ceremony.

About three memorial trees are planted each month.

“The trees will outlive all of us,” Flad said. “You’re

memorializing someone who has passed away with something that is

living.”

Information about the memorial program is available by calling

238-5304.