In the Beginning

By Ralph Palmer

In the beginning there were only a few. We were inspired by Shannon Ramsay and her spirit to help keep Mother Earth in the shape we found her. The original group was small but the goal could be seen.

The McKinley Middle School planting was one of the first big ones and is considered as one of Trees Forever’s Top 20 projects. The planting attracted the attention of a few businesses to give it financial support. It attracted a few backs to dig, plant and mulch. Most of all it was the beginning of a new look for McKinley. Now look at it eighteen years later. The tree we planted is not over 30 feet tall and is still standing strong. Other trees we planed at McKinley today give the school a beauty only Mother Nature can create.

Had it not been for a dream that turned into reality and attracted people of like mind, thousands of trees in Iowa would not be giving Heaven’s grace to our communities. I feel rewarded for having been part of Trees Forever in the early days. From me to Trees Forever here is a salute to success.