South Hutchinson, Kansas
2001 Tree City USA

The City of South Hutchinson was awarded TREE CITY USA designation for 2001.  It is one of two new Tree City communities in Kansas for the year 2001.  TREE CITY USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. 

In order to become a TREE CITY USA,  South Hutchinson had to meet four standards.  These included establishing a Tree Board, adopting a tree care ordinance, preparing a comprehensive community forestry program, and holding an ARBOR DAY observation.  A tree board was officially appointed in May 2001.

  Mayor Steve Rippie(left) and Tree Board member Pete Murray (right) accept Tree City USA plaque.

South Hutchinson Tree Board Members

Bob Snyder        3 year term expiring 6/1/04           
Linda Strain        2 year term expiring 6/1/03           
Jason Heck         2 year term expiring 6/1/03           
Pete Murray        3 year term expiring 6/1/05
David Gonzales   3 year term expiring 6/1/05

 In 2001 the Arbor Day observation was held at the South Hutchinson Elementary School with the eighth grade class participating.  A tree was planted in the school yard and a commemorative plaque was installed to denote the planting.  This plaque denotes the participation of the last eighth grade class at the school.  Beginning in fall 2001 the school became a K-6th grade elementary school with the seventh and eighth grades moving to the RENO VALLEY MIDDLE School.                               

South Hutchinson's 2002 Arbor Day observance was held April 26, 2002 at the new Public Safety
Building at 10 East Blanchard.  The second grade classes from South Hutchinson Elementary school             
participated in planting two trees in observance of Arbor Day.  Instructing the children was Dennis
Carlson, USDA area forester.  The pictures below are from this celebration.

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