The beauty and tranquility of trees

Arbor Day at the Cemetery

National Arbor Day April 28, 2023: Hans Youngman with the Big Ol’ Vashon Tree Love Society planted a rooted scion,grown from one of the original Japanese community gift cherry trees from 1932 that remain at Vashon High School, and which were recently celebrated with a dedication ceremony. The tree is planted at the Vashon Cemetery as an acknowledgment that some of the individuals and their family members that may have been a part of the original gift to the island are laid to rest there, and to show our respect, and appreciation.

A sign will be installed near the tree which includes a message of appreciation to the Japanese community identifying the history of the gift trees, and also the involvement of the Vashon Island Fruit Club in the production of the graft cuttings as part of the “100 Cherry Trees Project”

October 23, 2021: Hans Youngman with the Big Ol’ Vashon Tree Love Socity planted an Oak sapling to honor Betsy (Wax) Sestrap, this tree sprouted from one of Betsy’s Oak Trees on the historic Wax Orchards property. Betsy was daughter of August Wax whom Wax Orchards was named for. This oak will be replacement of the pair of Birches that had to be recently removed from the family burial plot.