Johnson County Rotary Clubs have come together to sponsor the Tree Grove at the new County Square. A new public space where the old courthouse once stood. The Rotary Tree Grove is part of the first phase of the development of the County Square.
Several Rotarians were involved in the initial development of the new public space. A planning committee from the clubs met virtually during the pandemic to develop a plan to raise more than $31,000. The committee set a goal of $50 per member as of February 2021. At that time, there were 587 Rotarians in the county clubs. District leadership agreed to support the project with a $4,000 contribution. PDG Faron Barr and DG Vern Henricks encouraged this collaborative effort.
The funds will purchase and plant thirty-three "Flash Fire Maple" and "Front Yard Linden" trees. The Maples will be brilliant red in the fall, while the Lindens will show yellow. Lindens are also pollinators, which supports one of Rotary's causes: Protecting the Environment.
The county will recognize the 13 Clubs with signage indicating the Tree Grove is a gift to the people of Johnson County from these Rotary Clubs.
A Ribbon Cutting scheduled for December 9th at 1:00 p.m. will be live-streamed on the county's website for the public.