One year later: Pleasant Hill donates trees to residents after tornado destroyed tree canopy
Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the EF-2 tornado that tore through Pleasant Hill, leaving destruction in its wake but sparing lives.
While no one was seriously injured or killed, the storm devastated the city’s tree canopy. On this Arbor Day, the city is taking steps to restore what was lost.
More than 50 trees were delivered to residents impacted by the tornado, thanks to a collaborative effort by various city departments. The trees are being donated to those who lived within the tornado’s impact zone, offering a symbol of renewal and hope.
“We also lost about 35% of our tree canopy,” said Ryan Merritt, the Pleasant Hill parks and recreation manager.
Residents eligible for the program registered in March, selecting their preferred tree species and signing up for planting assistance. Merritt emphasized the city’s commitment to recovery, saying, “We were here when the tornado hit, and now we’re here to gift these trees to those who were impacted by the tornado.”
For many residents, the memories of the storm remain vivid. Lindsay Maher, who sheltered in her basement with her family, recalled, “It sounded like they picked up a pine tree and was literally just slapping our house.”
Ross Hesseltine, whose parents’ property lost 31 trees, reflected on the aftermath.
“When we came out, it was all dusty, and the damage had been done,” he said.
Hesseltine, who purchased the property in January, is still struck by the emptiness left behind. “Just crazy how the damage happened and where,” he added.
The city’s efforts aim to restore the greenery and sense of normalcy that the tornado took from its residents.
Jamie Lee, the Pleasant Hill Fire Chief, delivered several of the trees and expressed pride in the initiative. “It’s awesome, and it’s awesome to be part of a team to give back to our community because our community is number one,” she said.
The city plans to deliver and help plant an additional 30 trees in the future.
»
» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: |