Love of trees takes root at Helme Park in Huntington Beach

The Huntington Beach Tree Society planted jacaranda trees at Helme Park last week in honor of Arbor Day.

Twenty-six fourth- and fifth-grade students from Perry Elementary School, selected from an essay contest, helped plant the five trees, officially known as jacaranda mimosifolia.

Susie Worthy, a descendant of the family responsible for Helme Park, spoke about her grandfather, Matthew E. Helme. And Randy Manzel, the city’s tree maintenance supervisor, offered information about the jacarandas.

Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize was also on hand for the ceremony. Volunteer Shirley Knopf helped coordinate the event.

Jean Nagy, founder and president of the local tree society, noted in an interview that California Arbor Week is March 7 to 14, while national Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April.

She said the Huntington Beach Tree Society celebrates the California date.

“We always do another planting for national Arbor Day, but our big splash is in March,” she said.