The Columbia Tree Society has begun their annual membership drive for 2022. The Society is the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission. Membership dues enable the Shade Tree Commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough. Over the last 31 years, the Shade Tree Commission has planted approximately 910 trees in the community as well as maintain street trees and has received the National Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree City USA” designation for 30 consecutive years. The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as in yards, parks and public places, as trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, reduce air pollution, calm traffic and lower noise levels. Manageable storm water runoff results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens reduces impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable and sustainable environment. Shaded homes and tree filled yards make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs and increased re-sale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to storm and water runoff reduction. This year’s membership drive will be dedicated to the memory of Edmund A. Wickenheiser, Jr.
Having a long, successful career in radio and television broadcasting, “Ed” voluntarily served as “Master of Ceremonies” for a multitude of Columbia’s “special events” over the years. His career began at Columbia Radio Station WCOY and continued at WGAL Radio, and then WSBA Radio where he worked as a journalist, news director, and operations director. He was the news director at WGAL -TV for 21 years before retiring in 2000. He was Marine Corp veteran and served three terms of active duty during the Cold war, Viet Nam, and the Persian Gulf War, and was a Life Member of the Marine Corp League- Detachment # 294, and the Catholic War Veterans Post 1306. He was a devoted and active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2294, Lancaster County Hospital Authority, County of Lancaster Emergency Management Agency, Columbia Borough Disaster Plan Committee and the Lancaster County Counter Terrorism Task Force. Ed passed away in 2019, preceded in death by his wife Susan in 2011. They are survived by daughter Karen and son-in-law Phil Eckert along with 3 grandchildren, and special friend Lucy Fox.
Please consider making a contribution to the Columbia Tree Society. Membership categories are as follows:
Student $ 3.00
Individual $10.00
Family $20.00
Business $50.00
Life $500.00
Please make a check payable and mailed to:
Columbia Tree Society
PO Box 509
Columbia, PA 17512
If interested in purchasing a Memorial Certificate for a deceased loved one, please submit their name and a check for $50 to the above address. A Memorial Certificate will be presented to the donor in their deceased loved one’s name at the annual Arbor Day Observance to be held on Friday April 29, 2022
This years’ service will be held at Janson Park, 6th and Locust Streets.
A copy of the Shade Tree’s annual report to Council can be requested by writing to the same address above.
Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are Amy Evans - Chair, Julie Lehmer- Secretary, Amanda Hawn – Treasurer, Jack Gamby, and Caroline McGrath.
The Shade Tree Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers in maintaining street trees and park trees. If interested in participating, please contact a member of the Shade Tree Commission, or by calling the Columbia Borough office at 684-2467.
