JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Sheri Steckler has been the Jamestown City Forester since April 2016. She announced that she will be resigning from the position at the end of this month.
Steckler reflected on her service to Jamestown in 2018, highlighting all the different projects that were completed in the year. She pointed out that a lot of what was accomplished in 2018 was through grants and donations.
Steckler said a large project was renovating the retaining wall on the west side of the Civic Center.
A community orchard was also made possible after a grant was awarded to the city by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Steckler says she hopes the community takes advantage of the community orchard once it begins to full produce in the next few years.
The largest restoration project on public property occurred in a negotiation between the City of Jamestown Forestry Department and Otter Tail Power Company on behalf of Jamestown Parks and Recreation.
Steckler pointed out that Otter Tail also donated $10,000 for a tree nursery build at Hillcrest Municipal Golf Course. The project was estimated to have cost around $250,000 and provides Jamestown with a variety of 5 different species of smaller trees that will be able to grow underneath the powerlines. The final phase of this project will be completed this fall.
Some of the other projects completed in 2018 include:
-The triangular green space at 5th Avenue and 13th Street NE was cleared of weeds and rejuvenated with clean edges courtesy of a bed edger donated by Double D’s Hydroseeding and Landscaping
-Parking Lot islands on 2nd Street SW were improved with the addition of new perennials courtesy of Kristi Hanson and mulched by the city forestry staff
-The Welcome to Jamestown sign on Mill Hill was also cleaned up, edged and mulched. Hardy roses, dogwood shrubs and a variety of perennials and ornamental grasses were planted to improve aesthetics and add color. Plantings were made possible by Lloyd’s Motors which covered the cost of plant material
-Many dead trees were able to be replaced on city property due to collaboration with and funding made possible by the Jamestown Chamber City Beautification Committee
-Teamed up with the National Buffalo Museum and a pocket prairie renovation was installed on either side of the entrance to the building. The perennials and grasses were purchased by the museum and volunteers helped plant on a Saturday
-Assisted with design and installation of the Sensory Garden on behalf of Jamestown Parks and Recreation and in collaboration with the Sensory Garden Committee
Steckler thanked the community for their help in making her job as city forester a fulfilling one.
“I would like to extend my gratitude for the having the opportunity to serve my hometown as City Forester,” Steckler stated. “I especially want to thank all of the private benefactors who have generously donated their time and money in an effort to improve our urban forest and beautify the City of Jamestown. Many of the Forestry Department accomplishments would not have been possible without the continued support from all of the wonderful private business owners and citizens who contribute to our community.”
You can listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Sheri Steckler below:
