Published May 20. 2021 06:40PM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Members of the Luther Crest Retirement Community Kayhart Arboretum group dedicated a Swiss Stone Pine Tree in memory of all those who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The event took place on Arbor Day, April 30.
Native to Europe, the Swiss Stone Pine is one source of edible pine nuts.
The tree planted near the entrance to the nursing center at Luther Crest could grow to better than 85 feet and live as long as a 1,000 years, given the right environment.
Luther Crest’s tree is expected to reach no more than 30 feet, according to board member and founder of the Luther Crest Arboretum group, Marion Kayhart.
Kayhart is a member of ArbNet, a national arboretum society.
Michelle Gaugler, executive director, Luther Crest, spoke to residents and board members of the Luther Crest Arboretum Society, at the dedication April 30 of a Swiss Stone Pine memorializing victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RIGHT: Cindy Bonney, vice president of Diakon Lutheran Services, added Diakon's appreciation for the work of the Luther Crest Arboretum Society. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
ABOVE: Marion Kayhart, founder of Luther Crest Arboretum Society, shovels dirt on to the newly planted Swiss Stone Pine at Luther Crest Retirement Community.
ABOVE: Marion Kayhart stands by as Arboretum board member Frankie Jennings adds dirt to the Swiss Stone Pine tree at Luther Crest Retirement Community.
LEFT: Frankie Jennings holds a sign reading: “Planted Arbor Day 2021; In memory of the victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Luther Crest Arboretum board members Frankie Jennings, Marion Kayhart, Michelle Gaugler, Linda Kiruer, Sue Hall, Dave Dunbar, John Mraz, Operations TruGreen Landcare, and M.O. Gaukler gather around the Swiss Stone Pine Tree planted to memorialize the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. Additional photos appear on page A2.
