As a kid growing up in Fredericksburg’s Mayfield neighborhood, Marci Catlett observed how happy her mother was whenever she planted hedges in the front yard of the family home.
Later, while attending James Monroe High School, Catlett recalled how her biology teacher took students on a field trip to Alum Spring Park to learn about plants and specimens.
Things have come full circle for Catlett, who was hired as the Fredericksburg City Schools superintendent in 2019.
During Fredericksburg’s 37th annual Arbor Day celebration Wednesday on the steps of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Catlett was honored with a tree dedication.
A tree will be planted in her honor at the Walker-Grant Center.
“He who plants trees loves others besides himself. I’m grateful that we as a community stand firm collectively to make the world a better place,” Catlett said.
The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs, in collaboration with the city, has been planting trees and honoring community members on Arbor Day for the past 37 years, come rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine.
Fredericksburg’s inaugural Arbor Day celebration in 1988 took place at the Fredericksburg courthouse, and subsequent ceremonies have graced various locations, including Kenmore Plantation’s lawn, outside the old school board offices, twice at Hugh Mercer Elementary, and for the last five years, at CRRL in downtown Fredericksburg.
Notable attendees and speakers on Wednesday included Mayor Kerry Devine, City Arborist Bicknell Robbins, Tree Fredericksburg Executive Director Anne Little, and Arbor Day honoree Catlett.
Arbor Day Co-Chairman Maggie McCormick said she’ll never forget the city’s first such celebration.
“I remember standing on the courthouse steps as it was pouring down rain,” McCormick said. “We always honor people who have given large contributions to the community. We want to be a tree city, and you can’t be one without having Arbor Day annually.”
Tree Fredericksburg has planted over 600 trees at city schools this year, with notable contributions at the new middle school under construction in the Idlewild community. An additional 400 trees have been planted throughout the city, bringing the grand total to 1,000 trees planted in the last calendar year.
“I would like to thank all our volunteers, who were mostly student volunteers,” Little said, adding that at least 500 students have taken part in plantings.
Fredericksburg’s tree canopy is shrinking according to statistics, and Little claimed new developments are the primary cause. Trees provide many benefits, especially shade in the summertime for those who may lack air conditioning.
Delaney Long, representative of the Virginia Department of Forestry, spoke highly of Fredericksburg officials for effectively managing their public tree resources. City officials maintain a tree board commission, a tree care ordinance, a budget that allocates money for tree planting, and a public Arbor Day ordinance where the proclamation is read annually.
“I want to thank everyone involved that made this possible: the city government, the mayor, all tree stewards involved, the Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs, and the Central Rappahannock Library for hosting the event,” Long said
Mayor Devine said she felt privileged to recognize Catlett.
“Students are growing and flourishing under Dr. Catlett’s leadership, just like the trees that are being planted,” Devine said. “My four kids also grew and flourished under Catlett’s tutelage during her time as deputy superintendent and superintendent. It’s an honor for me to be here for her today.”
In addition to recognizing Catlett, Devine spoke on the importance of Arbor Day. Trees reduce the erosion of topsoil, heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. Home property values are increased when trees are planted as well, Devine said.
The tree to be planted in Catlett’s honor is a swamp white oak that could live up to 200 years, Little said.
“Trees symbolize character,” Catlett added. “Its roots are the values we live by, and the leaves help us understand and appreciate change.”
