ORLEANS — A local effort to “go green” received a boost this week as the Town of Orleans accepted a gift of native flora to enhance the community’s public spaces.
State Senator Eric Koch (R-Bedford) visited the town to present 25 Swamp White Oak trees and 25 Buttonbush shrubs. The donation is part of an annual initiative led by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry.
Each year, every Indiana state lawmaker is provided with 100 free tree seedlings from DNR nurseries. These seedlings are intended for distribution within their respective districts to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the long-term benefits of expanding the state’s tree canopy.
“Planting these trees is an investment in the future of our landscape,” Koch said during the presentation.
Town Clerk-Treasurer Robert F. Henderson and town gardener Pat Hall accepted the gift. According to town officials, the new arrivals will not be concentrated in a single location but will instead be distributed across various municipal green spaces throughout Orleans.
- Swamp White Oaks: Known for their longevity and ability to thrive in diverse soil conditions, these trees will eventually provide significant shade and habitat.
- Buttonbush: These native shrubs are prized for their unique, globe-like white flowers and their ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
This planting initiative coincides with the town’s ongoing commitment to beautification, ensuring that Orleans remains a vibrant, wooded community for generations to come.
