On a sunny April 24 the city of Royal Oak celebrated the completion of a project to plant trees and build paths in the Fred Erb Arboretum. Third grade students from Adams Elementary School planted a swamp white oak tree, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The improvements were funded by a $250,000 grant to the Royal Oak Civic Foundation from the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation. The Erbs were early residents of Royal Oak and their family lumberyard was a cornerstone of the city’s economic growth and success.
“We know that the Erb Family Foundation’s grant to the civic foundation benefits people in Royal Oak, a community my parents loved so much,” said foundation President John Erb. “It promises long-lasting benefits, especially with the focus on nurturing native species and protecting biodiversity.”
City Manager Joseph Gachioch led the formal program, which also featured remarks by foundation Chair Thomas McGannon and Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward.
In cooperation with Royal Oak Parks and Recreation, volunteers with the Royal Oak Nature Society undertook the improvements to the arboretum. This included 106 trees, educational and interpretive signage and trail improvements.
Guests received a white spruce seedling and the Erb Foundation distributed maps showing the Great Lakes watershed, one of the foundation’s other environmental passions.
