“Trees are s sign of community vitality and progressiveness.” – Cindy Kessler
Loveland, Ohio – Cindy Kessler was once responsible for hundreds of street trees being planted along thoroughfares and in residential neighborhoods all over the community. Three decades ago when Loveland Madeira Road was widened to three-lanes, Cindy was responsible for the street trees that were planted.
She’s at it again.
Cindy was also the main driver behind Loveland once being designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. However, the designation has since been rescinded, and Cindy has once again noticed how barren our streets have become as man and nature take their toll. Through lack of interest by previous city mothers and fathers that said they ran out of money for the program, the designation was taken back. The Arbor Day Foundation had their requirements. Communities must meet four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and, celebrating Arbor Day.
Loveland Magazine spent a few moments with Cindy while she was planting trees last Fall. During the period of Tree City USA glory, the City purchased relatively large saplings and did the planting, unless a homeowner wanted to plant the tree themselves. It was an annual, free give-away of street trees.
In these videos, Cindy explains her approach this time. At no cost to tax-payers, she is planting tree seeds; some harvested from around town such as Ginkgo seeds from the street trees on Loveland Maderia Road at the Loveland Kroger. Cindy is particularly in love with Ginkgos. She also made a trip to Spring Grove Cemetery where collecting tree seeds is encouraged. Cindy has also re-planted many seedings she has nurtured from seeds she planted in her own back yard nursery.
Cindy also gives a DIY on planting tree seeds, and the advantage of seeds versus seedlings. She said, “Trees that germinate in place just take off.” She also talks about how important street trees can be to a community that wants to be seen as progressive. “Trees are s sign of community vitality and progressiveness. And it is why progressive communities are constantly planting trees. For us to be losing trees, and not re-planting – we’re just becoming more urban and barren.”
In the past couple of months, Cindy has given away 131 tree seedlings and planted 46 around town. She also sowed tree seeds at fourteen sites on the Loveland Elementary/Primary School Campus.
Cindy and her husband Bob are nationally known artists, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of contemporary stained glass and mosaics around the country. Learn more about Kessler Studios, Inc. Bob is also President of the Loveland Stage Company Board of Directors.
If you would like to help Cindy, please leave a comment on this story.
Find Out More about the Tree City USA program
You can download a comprehensive manual that explains the Tree City USA program and how your community can receive this recognition. Get the Manual
