We did it!

This morning, about 15 Hiltonians planted 12 trees in Cadwalader Park, between 9:00 and 11:00 o'clock. The tree crew started at 7:00. Using machinery, they cut down the dead and diseased trees to be replaced, ground down some of their stumps, and dug the new tree holes.

When we arrived at 9, we filled the dead tree stump holes, and began the slower, more pains taking process of planting "our" new trees. By 10:00, we had them in the ground, and they were about to bloom. Then we had to wait (a welcome break) while the tree crew ground off the rest of the removed tree's stumps.

Any of you ever "remove" tree stumps in your past? It used to be hot, very dirty and back-breaking effort to dig 'em out and cut 'em free of their roots. A big, mature tree stump would be an all day job. No more! This machine did a 12"-15" stump in less than 5 minutes.

By 11:00 o'clock, we were finished and on our way to our next Saturday tasks. A great job by all.

About the money. We hit our goal! I have personally received checks totaling $995.00. The respective donors have told me that they have mailed directly, or given directly to the Department of Natural Resources another $120.00, for a total Hiltonia contribution of $1,115.00, from 20 donor families. Remarkable! And thank you All!

Don Wallar