The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks District used Arbor Day to honor two of their longest serving volunteers.
The parks planted two trees at Heritage Park in honor of Duane and Jean Boyd, who have been volunteering for the parks for almost four decades now. The Boyds have done a bit of everything over the years from researching birds in the area to doing garden variety upkeep. Their dedication has even inspired others to volunteer.
"People like Duane and Jean are good inspirations for other people to get involved and stay involved," says J.A.M.P.D. Director Kevin Haver. "Through their work, they have become more appreciative of the park district itself and they've actually used the parks quite a bit more."
Duane says that planting the trees was the perfect way for the parks to honor he and his wife.
"I've always felt that we should plant trees, you know, replace trees as they die out," says Duane. "Does my heart good to know that we have some trees here in our honor."
The trees the parks planted are a pair of Swamp White Oak trees.
