The Crystal Bridges tree-planting team.

Back on October 26, Crystal Bridges partnered with the City of Bentonville and the Walton Foundation to plant 1,026 trees as part of the nation’s largest day of community service, 10/26. The city plans to recognize this day annually with additional tree plantings to further the beautification of Bentonville and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. We here at Crystal Bridges were tasked with the planting of 260 native trees on the streets adjacent and leading toward the Museum. The native trees include, but were not limited to; serviceberries, willow oaks, black gums, sugar maples, etc.

Prior to the day, locations had already been flagged, holes dug, and trees placed next to their new homes. So the hardest part was already done (not, in any way, to belittle the work that followed, though!).  On the morning of, the cavalry arrived.  We had dedicated Museum volunteers, staff members, boy scouts, girl scouts, and of course individuals & families from the community partake! We met up, chit-chatted a bit, held a photo op, then divided into groups and were off planting by 9:15 sharp.

The Munch-kid team, back-filling tree-holes.

The whole morning was like a whirl-wind with little “munch-kids” scooping out and back-filling tree wells in record time.  Museum staff members commented on how they now have a greater appreciation of the work performed by our grounds crew.

One of 260 trees planted by Crystal Bridges volunteers

The planting didn’t take two hours and to reward everyone, Arvest was gracious enough to provide lunch fresh off the grill for all the volunteers who came out that day!!   So from Crystal Bridges to the volunteers, individuals, and donors who made this day happen, THANK YOU!!!! We (and generations of future tree-lovers) will forever appreciate it!!

Sincerely, Sam