8.13.12 Celia Kelly Pine Forrest

Tonight after supper Dad, Joe, and I went for a drive around the lake.  We stopped at the Celia Kelly Pine Forrest.  The sign says it was established in 1932.  The Mitchell Garden Club has worked over the past year to clear some brush and tidy up the walking trail.  As I understand it, Celia Kelly planted many pine trees, and watered them every day throughout the depression to keep them alive.  The trees recently came back into the spotlight when a city council member proposed that the city clear these trees and sell the land for housing lots.  The logic was that the land could generate property tax dollars.
A small group of people started collecting signatures to bring the matter to a public vote.  These people received a lot of criticism, but they persevered.  They were right!  we really enjoyed the walk.  Right now you can easily walk the trail in about 15 minutes, listening to crickets chirp, and other insect noises. The garden club volunteers have cleared a small area with a picnic table and some chairs, and next year, there will be perennial flowers blooming.

Everyone should take a little time for peace and quiet.