In honor of Earth Day I would like to update the Underwood Community with some accomplishments of the UCC/UPRD volunteers. Early last week Ed and Kathy LaMotte, Bob Wittenburg, Mary Kapp, Alicia Beyer and her 3 children spent a total of 20 hours on the Marc Robbins Memorial Trail. They spent that time weeding the trail and laying down more bark chips. There is still more work to be done. If you would like to help us with the trail please contact Alicia and we will add you to the list of volunteers.

Last Saturday, Blayney and Rob Meyers delivered 3 White Oak trees and 1 Big Leaf Maple purchased from Sweetwood Nursery in BZ Corners. Then, on Sunday, the Beyer Family ran down and dug 4 holes to get the trees in the ground. Blayney, Rob and Alicia planted the trees and put up a wire cage around each one. We are hoping that the cage will protect the trees from kids and lawn mowers, while the roots establish themselves. Each tree was donated by Underwood Community members. Be on the lookout for plaques recognizing our friend’s generous donation to the park. If you are down at the park and notice that the ground around the trees seem very dry, feel free to help water them. They do not have a drip on them yet, so they will need to be hand watered. There will be a hose and buckets by the picnic area.

The planting of the trees is Phase 1 in providing shade for the park. In the fall, we will be planting some more native vegetation that thrive in the Gorge. We are following the recommendations of our landscape architect and will be so excited to welcome some flowering trees in the near future. The UPRD is still taking donations if you would like a tree planed in your honor. Feel free to contact Alicia Beyer at aliciauprd@gmail.com

Also, early this week, there was a joint effort in weeding and chipping around the gazebo. Thanks to Mary Kapp, Kathy LaMotte, and Alicia Beyer for giving the gazebo a facelift. It looks great!!

We all hope that you are keeping your friends and family safe during this crazy time of Covid-19. We are hoping to start having our board meetings again starting May 13^th at 6:00. We would love to see you there!