The oak tree planted in Macomb's Chandler Park this year has a plaque at its base. The plaque honors the late Bob Swanson.
Swanson was a nurseryman who grew his beyond his profession into volunteering to plant trees in Macomb.
He was one of the original members of the city's Tree Board 20 years ago.
Former Mayor Tom Carper appointed him at that time.
He said, “He was not a 'sit-back, let somebody else do it.' But he also didn't necessarily want to be part of the photo-op. He wanted to do the work. He wanted to se the results of his work. The fruits of his labor. That's how he lived his life.”
The two shared a backyard garden. Carper said Swanson's expertise was largely gained in from experience. That experience was a boon to the city.
Randy Powell served 20 years on the Tree Board. He is a former chairman of that board.
He said of Swanson, “There were trees that were planted on his block that he considered, basically, his trees. He would watch those and care for those. Whenever there would be a planting he would be the first to volunteer.”
The tree-planting ceremony also marked Macomb's recognition as a Tree City USA for the 20th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Macomb Women's City Club donated the chinquapin oak tree.
