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GOOD NEWS - Forest Park
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren BuffettWhen the Brazil Concert Band gathered for practice at the Forest Park Band Shell, there was no shade, making it hot.
Band member Eric Vanatti realized they needed some shade.
In April 2023, a large cluster of thunderstorms called a derecho caused widespread damage throughout the Wabash Valley, especially in Brazil’s Forest Park.
The derecho’s widespread, straight-line winds damaged trees in the city and park. Winds as strong as 60 to 100 mph or higher knocked down or damaged mature trees. Cleaning the damage throughout the Wabash Valley took months, especially in Sullivan, IN.
“I got with Andy (Stone), who I knew could help me with this project,” Vanatti was grateful for Stone’s mentorship. “I had done nothing like this before. Brazil is my hometown; this is my park. I played in the band for years before I moved to Indianapolis, and now I am home again; I am playing in the concert band this summer, and I wanted to give back.”
Vanatti and Stone of A&B Farmhouse purchased two trees and flowers for the Band Shell at Forest Park.
On Thursday afternoon, the two men brought the materials to the park and began planting, with some help from Eric’s nephew, eight-year-old Jameson Vanatti. A new tree was planted on each side of the band shell.
Stone said they purchased two Indiana State Trees: The Tulip Tree.
The Indiana General Assembly adopted the Tulip Tree, or yellow poplar, in 1931. The tree quickly attains a great height, has bell-shaped, green, and yellowish flowers in the spring, and can be found throughout the state.
“It might take 20 years before the trees reach maturity,” said Vanatti. “But my nephew will be able to watch it grow and know he helped plant the trees.”
Vanatti admits that Stone’s enthusiastic community involvement is contagious.
“Andy has the fountain, so, with his help, I think the band shell will be my pet project. Andy is a great mentor,” Vanatti said about participating in a community project like sprucing up the band shell. “If anyone wants to donate or volunteer to buy a tree or flowers or volunteer to help plant during the project, they can.”
“They can contact me at A&B Farmhouse, 317-695-4329, “said Stone, whose business is at 525 East National Avenue, Brazil. “We can provide information.”
PARK BOARD UPDATE
The Park Board admits that Forest Park does look somewhat bare these days.
President Janet McClellan confirmed that seven large trees were lost in last year’s storm. However, the yearly storm damage and the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in 2019 killed off many trees over the years, totaling 64 missing trees at the park.
McClellan also confirmed that Forest Park is on the Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District’s list to receive 100 trees in 2025.
McClellan and Park Supervisor Marv Moon will meet to decide on the park’s tree needs. An order will be placed in October for delivery in spring 2025.
“I think this is a great thing,” said McClellan.
The motto for the Clay County Soil & Water District is the Chinese proverb Remember: The Best Time To Plant A Tree Was 20 Years Ago. The Next Best Time Is NOW.
Homeowners considering replacing trees lost to time or storm damage can contact the 551 East US, Brazil office.
Emails can also be sent to District Coordinator Jennifer Creager at jennifer.creager@in.nacdnet.net.