Memorial Tree Trail

A dedication tree planting ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 5 to kickoff a new project for ECCD: a Memorial Tree Trail to serve as an educational tool for visitors to Headwaters Park and an opportunity for residents to memorialize or honor loved ones.

A dedication tree planting ceremony was held on Tuesday June 5th to kickoff a new project for ECCD: a Memorial Tree Trail to serve as an educational tool for visitors to Headwaters Park and an opportunity for residents to memorialize or honor loved ones. The ceremony included remarks from Erie County Councilwoman, Kathy Fatica and Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. The project is a collaboration effort between ECCD and Eagle Scout candidate Quinn Barnes.

Quinn is a recent graduate of North East High School and has held leadership positions in BSA Troop 57. Quinn has a passion for the outdoors and wanted to give back to the community for his Eagle Scout project. Barnes explained the concept of his Eagle Scout project, “I liked the idea of initiating a program that brings people closer to nature with a purpose.”

“I liked the idea of initiating a program that brings people closer to nature with a purpose.”

— Quinn Barnes, Eagle Scout

As the Memorial Tree Trail grows in the future, it will give visitors to Headwaters Park insight to trees that are native to Pennsylvania through identification. Native trees are important because they are equipped to live with the local climate, soil types, and animals. 

The Tree Trail can also provide ideas to visitors for tree planting on their own property. According to the USDA Forest Service, healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value, and the planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams.

ECCD is one of 66 conservation districts in the Commonwealth that functions as a governmental agency which provides assistance, management and education for the wise use of our natural resources. One of the many working partners over the years has been the County of Erie. 

One great supporter of the District was County Councilman Phil Fatica. Mr. Fatica served as the liaison to District from 2008 to 2011, and advocated for our purpose and mission. The inaugural tree for the Memorial Tree Trail program was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Fatica and his understanding of the importance of conservation in Erie County. John Hallenburg, Chairman of the District’s Board of Directors, stated, “We hope this is a great beginning to an important educational opportunity for all to enjoy. Phil was a friend of the District and once called Headwaters Park the ‘hidden gem of Erie County’.”