Artesia is getting greener!
Above, outgoing HollyFrontier refinery manager Bob O’Brien, center, and Artesia MainStreet Board members, from left, Jeff Bowman, Peyton Yates, Elisabeth Jackson and Tommy Scroggin, stand in front of the first grouping of trees planted along North First Street as part of their First Street Greenway project. HollyFrontier has been instrumental to the project with their donation of property to the City of Artesia. The donated property is a critical piece of land necessary to complete the beautification project.
Artesia MainStreet, in partnership with the City of Artesia, is developing a green space along the east side of the North First Street right-of-way. The project starts at Eagle Draw and extends north to the intersection of North Roselawn Avenue. Plans call for planting approximately 500 trees and ornamental bushes. Varieties include Eldarica Pines, Live Oaks, Deodar Cedar, Red Oaks, Crepe Myrtles, and additional deciduous and accent trees. The area covers 11 acres of land and will also be planted with Bermuda grass.
The first 100 trees will be planted by the end of January 2019. The public is invited to be a part of the first 100 trees and invest in the future of the community through the Commemorative Tree Program.
With a minimum donation of $250, donors can invest in a long-lasting tribute to an individual or occasion by planting a tree in their or its honor. The donation will enhance the Greenway as well as provide a gift to the entire community for future generations.
The name of the loved one or occasion memorialized or honored will be inscribed on a leaf on a Commemorative Tree Plaque located inside the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. A digital archive will also be maintained on the Artesia MainStreet website with a short bio about each person honored. Family members will provide the information, with final approval going to the Artesia MainStreet Design Committee.
“What a great Christmas gift under your tree this year – the legacy of a real tree for years to come,” said Elisabeth Jackson, executive director of Artesia MainStreet.
For more information on how to participate, visit www.artesiamainstreet.com or call 575-746-1117.
