Calvary Cemetery is pleased to announce that Mitchell Ward, Calvary’s staff Horticulturalist and ISA-Certified Arborist, recently completed the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Tree Commission Academy. The Tree Commission Academy is a unique, first of its kind program in the United States, and was awarded the 2010 Education Innovation Award from the Arbor Day Foundation. It aims to empower citizens with the education and skills necessary to be effective tree planners in their local community. To date, the TCA has about 1,000 graduates statewide since the program’s inception.
Mitch has been with Calvary since 1999 and wrote his senior project on the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer at Calvary Cemetery, detailing the history of the ash tree at the cemetery and the efforts to remove affected trees. Per Executive Director, Rick Meade, “Mitch’s training will be invaluable to preservation and beautification of the cemetery through continuous tree management policies and procedures.” In addition to being one of Dayton’s historical cemeteries, Calvary is also a 200 acre Urban Forest located in the city of Kettering. Wendi Van Buren, Regional Urban Forester for ODNR spoke highly of Mitchell’s project, “It is a real pleasure to see good management of the trees by a professional ISA Certified Arborist who proactively manages the green infrastructure of Calvary Cemetery. So many innovative projects like the St Kateri Preserve and the diversity of trees being planted is exciting and an example for other communities in the region.”
To assist Calvary Cemetery and Mitch in the effort of preservation of a true Dayton landmark, please consider a donation to the Dayton Foundation. We value our gardens and statuary as an essential part of our history and mission for the future. We welcome you to partner with us in this mission as we strive to create community and celebrate lifetimes. More information can be found here.
