PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA N. STRIPE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PROCLAMATION … Wauseon Mayor Kathy Huner reads an Arbor Day proclamation for students in the first grade classes at Wauseon Primary School. Students had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of trees, as well as help plant the tree on school grounds.
MEMORIAL TREE … Pat Schultz (left), wife of Lowell Schultz, is joined by her son and Wauseon Primary School Head Custodian Robert Schultz and his wife, Sue, at the planting of a bald cypress tree at Wauseon Elementary School. The tree, planted on Friday, April 25, 2025, celebrates Arbor Day, as well as Lowell Schultz’s memory. Lowell Schultz, who passed away earlier this year, was a Wauseon Schools employee for 20 years.
By: Samantha N. Stripe
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Arbor Day gave Wauseon first and third graders a chance to not only learn more about trees – but help plant one as well.
Friday, April 25, 2025, marked the annual day of tree planting across the U.S. The day was founded by J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska, with the first celebration of the holiday established in April 1872. The Tree Commission has been educating and planting trees with the Wauseon students for eight years.
“…Trees play an integral role in our environment. I think it’s important that we take time to remember how important they are. Without trees, our Earth cannot exist,” said John Alexander of the City of Wauseon Tree Commission and Public Works Department.
The Arbor Day celebrations kicked off at the Wauseon Primary School. Mayor Kathy Huner read a proclamation for the planting to the students, who listened quietly in a circle around the young swamp white oak tree.
“Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,” she read at the end of the proclamation.
Alexander then shared important facts about trees, sharing details about the tallest and widest trees in the United States – as well as how trees are important for wildlife and our air, noting that trees are also financially valuable on properties, serving as wind breaks and even reducing heating and cooling costs.
“They’re the next generation. If someone doesn’t teach them…they won’t know and put that benefit to use,” Alexander stated.
Students had the chance to help dig the hole for the new tree, as well as fill the hole with dirt. The first graders will also receive a seedling to take home. Alexander encouraged the students to plant them with their parents in a place where they can thrive and grow.
“Overall, the community benefits when we have a lot of trees. It increases the value of the environment to your home values. They’re very important, they’re central.”
“It’s amazing how trees function and communicate with each other. They’re amazing,” said Kurt Stuckey, Tree Commission member, who also attended both events.
A bald cypress was then planted at the Wauseon Elementary School, near the athletic building. While they are more familiar with the southern states, they do well in northwest Ohio’s climate, Alexander told the third grade classes.
Tree Commission Chairperson Laura Kamp read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Huner. Alexander then explained to students that the cypress was important to represent Arbor Day but would also serve as a memorial tree.
After the hole was dug for the new tree, and Alexander shared the importance of Arbor Day and trees themselves, he introduced Robert Schultz, head custodian at Wauseon Primary School.
Schultz, whom the students called “Mr. Bob”, and gave hugs and high fives to when heading back to their classrooms – explained to the children that his father, Lowell Schultz, had passed away earlier this year.
After his retirement from a factory, he served as a crossing guard, substitute custodian and groundskeeper for Wauseon Exempted Village Schools for 20 years.
The bald cypress now bears a plaque in memory and remembrance of Lowell Schultz, placed after each student had the chance to put a handful of mulch above its roots before heading back to the classroom.
“He would be so happy,” said Pat Schultz, Lowell’s Schultz’s wife of 65 years. “I feel honored they are [planting] it.”