Smith Valley "Trees 2000" Program for Dressler Park

SMITH VALLEY - A millennium tree planting project is being embraced by residents.

As a member of the State TASK 2000 Trees Project Committee, Smith Valley Park and Recreation Board member Susan Daugherty came up with the idea to plant a commemorative stand of trees in Dressler Park.

Wanting to make it a communitywide project, Daugherty has been soliciting donations from residents since December.

Each $100 donation goes toward the purchase of a tree, a bronze commemorative plaque and care of the trees. The grove will consist of deciduous and evergreen trees.

An original goal of 20 trees has been easily surpassed. Daugherty said that as of Saturday she had enough donations for 50 trees, with everyone appearing to want to help.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it got up to 60," she said. "I am kind of overwhelmed, but this community is like that. They are wonderful."

In addition to individual participants, Daugherty has received donations from businesses, school clubs and community service organizations.

She said she wants to see groves like these in other Lyon County communities.

"We want to challenge others to match or outdo us. There may be more grant money available. If anyone is interested I will be happy to share what information I have."

Part of a national campaign, the Nevada Trees 2000 project is headed by Secretary of State Dean Heller and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa. The program is intended to run from Nevada Day 1999 through Nevada Day 2000.

"We have at least 40 groups involved already and anticipate that will double. The mayor of Boulder City has committed to plant 15,000 trees, one for each resident of the community," Heller said Monday. "There is no downside to the project. As an arid state, we want to make people aware of the benefits trees can bring to the wildlife habitat and environment."

Plans are also under way to landscape the new Carson City bypass.

"A lot of the new roads in the Las Vegas area have no landscaping other than concrete barriers," Heller said. "It would be great for our lawmakers when they come to our capital city to see you can do something with road landscaping projects."

To HELP to call, Susan Daugherty at (775) 465-2042.