A teachable moment in Union County

Union Power Cooperative's Wil Ortiz (right) organized a tree-planting lesson at a Union County elementary school. (Photo by: Kathy Williams)

While picking strawberries at Wise Acres Organic Farm near Indian Trail last summer, Wil Ortiz noticed extensive tree damage on two large oaks. As manager of vegetation management for Union Power Cooperative, Ortiz knew the tree damage could bring down some of the larger branches at any time. Concerned for the safety of owners Bobb and Cathy Thorstenson and their guests, Ortiz advised them to have something done as soon as possible.

In a high wind, Ortiz knew, the suspect limbs could have blown into one of the co-op's nearby power lines that supplies electricity to Poplin Elementary School adjacent to the Thorstenson's farm, among other places. Ortiz told the Thorstensons that Union Power could help.

The co-op's policy is to cut down such hazard trees, and if they are located in a member's yard, to remove them. But after hearing the owners' concern about losing the two trees, Union Power topped them off, keeping the large trunk sections for stretching a mesh recreational climbing area between them. The owners purchased diagonal tarps to replace the shade the trees had cast, and the co-op offered to plant two new trees on the property.

Ortiz saw an opportunity for Poplin Elementary students to participate in an Arbor Day event, an occasion the co-op tries to do in its service area in the spring or fall. They scheduled one for Oct. 9, the beginning of tree-planting season.

Ortiz talked with the students about tree care and electrical safety as it relates to trees. He explained why the older trees on the property had been cut, and he answered the children's questions. In groups, the students then helped plant the trees. Ortiz said later, "It was a pleasure to partner for the celebration of Arbor Day and to assist this member by providing trees through our unique tree replacement program."

For more information about Wise Acres Farm, visit wiseacresorganic.com.

For more information about the co-op's Tree Replacement Program and right-of-way approved vegetation, visit union-power.com and check out the Right-of-Way Tree Replacement Program page.

Union Power has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation for nine consecutive years for its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in its five-county service area. The co-op also trains employees in quality tree care practices, educates the public about planting trees for energy conservation and helps homeowners plant appropriate trees near utility lines.