Although the man who always wore green has retired, part of the legacy he’s leaving will boost Pottsville’s opportunities to stay green.
Those gathered for an Arbor Day celebration Friday at Charles Baber Cemetery recognized the contributions of Frank P. Snyder, who retired April 15 as service forester for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A Japanese red maple was planted in his honor.
Joseph T. Orlowsky, chairman of the Pottsville Shade Tree Commission, called Snyder the “best urban forester ever.”
“It was my privilege to work with him for nearly 20 years,” Orlowsky said. He said in 1999 the commission first had permission to plant trees at the cemetery and they called Snyder for his advice.
“He found that 38 trees should be removed. This caused a lot of concern and many people did not agree with it. However, Frank drew a plan on what should be done.”
Orlowsky said the plan included removing trees and planting trees inside and outside the cemetery wall. A Baber Appreciation Day was held in the fall of 1999 and the first Arbor Day celebration at Baber was held in April 2000 with the planting of 10 European hornbeam trees on the east side of the gate house. It was a tremendous success, he said.
“Frank’s tree plan was the reason for the success,” Orlowsky said.
More than 170 trees have been planted over the past 17 Arbor Days, he said.
Orlowsky said Snyder also drew up a four-year plan to remove the dead and dying trees on Mount Laurel Avenue, west of the chapel, and his work is in every part of the cemetery, as well as throughout the city.
“The City of Pottsville, Baber Cemetery, the Shade Tree Commission and me, personally owe Frank a huge debt of gratitude,” Orlowsky said.
Snyder received gifts and framed photos, including a frame made by Steve Buzalko from the “John Pott” tree. The tree — a 186-year-old white oak that was growing above the grave of the city’s founder — had to be cut down a few years ago because the tree was dying.
Snyder, 65, of Orwigsburg, has worked with DCNR for more than 41 years.
“First thing I said was I was going to try to gain my own identity again without being a guy in a green shirt,” Snyder said of his retirement while walking around the cemetery Friday.
“I’m really a lucky person because I have the opportunity to give back doing things I like to do for select organizations. I’d like to be more involved in the tree nursery that we tried to establish. Joe started one a few years ago picking up some of the seeds from these trees and growing them, so we can put them right back into the cemetery. I’d like to be more involved in the tree care of the community where I live. I’d like to give service back without being paid to do it,” Snyder said.
Carol Field, a board member of the Charles Baber Cemetery Preservation Trust Inc., welcomed visitors and introduced guests. The Rev. Canon Clifford B. Carr, Allentown Diocese, offered the blessing of each tree to be planted. A photo of the corresponding plaque, which was set at the base of each tree being blessed, will be presented to the tree sponsors, Field said. Sponsors paid $400 per tree, with the costs of the trees being about $100 each and the remainder of the funds being used for removal and upkeep of the other trees there.
Mayor James T. Muldowney read a proclamation detailing Arbor Day’s history and proclaimed April 29 Arbor Day in the city.
Steve Ziegler, Pennsylvania DCNR District 18 forester serving in Barnesville, presented the city with a flag and “Tree City USA” award. It’s the 28th straight year the city received the distinction, according to Ziegler. Joining Ziegler for the flag presentation were: Orlowsky; Dorothy “Dottie” Botto, city council member; Diana Beausang and Norm Kauffman, with the commission; J. Robert Zane, Charles Baber Preservation Trust Inc.; Frank Peron; Snyder; and the mayor.
The commission also recognized the exceptional work of Randy Stewart, cemetery supervisor; and Tom Dodds, groundskeeper.
The effort to keep the cemetery’s green space has been a learning experience, according to Snyder.
“It’s actually evolved, learning more about the historical significance of the trees at the cemetery and moving forward with the plan, it’s pretty incredible,” Snyder said.
“The people realized this is a Victorian garden and people used this place all the time. The trees are beautiful here and care had to be given to the cemetery to keep this living legacy moving forward. It’s a success story for the City of Pottsville. Joe has been a main promoter to insure the trees here at the cemetery were replaced. Before, if a tree died it was cut down.”
Field explained each year, there are 10 trees planted in several varieties.
This year’s trees were:
• Two Kwanzan cherry trees, one given of Gerald Field and Arnold Delin by Carol Field; and one given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mary Ellen Mincer by her sister, Peggy Moser
• Two Japanese maples with one given in thanksgiving for the life and ministry of The Rev. Canon Clifford B. Carr by Nancy Buehler; and one given in thanksgiving for the life and service of Frank Snyder by The Shade Tree Commission
• five swamp white oak, given to the glory of God in memory of Cora B. Landis (Mom Mom) by Dona and Fred Brown; Paul and Mildred Allen, and Lloyd and Ethel Allen by Bob and Peg Allen; Mary Ann and Bill Pugh, and Doris and Jeff Forsythe; and The Rev. Elmer J. and Dorothy C. Davis by Dr. Lydia Davis. There are two remaining swamp white oak trees that were blessed, but weren’t sponsored
• One pin oak, given to the glory of God in memory of Kenward Kissinger by Niles Kissinger.
About 25 people gathered for the ceremony at the cemetery. Among them were Dolores Delin, Orwigsburg, who was there to see the Kwanza cherry tree planted for her late husband, Arnold Delin, and Gerald Field.
Julia Sophy, Orwigsburg, also attended and took some photos of Snyder next to the Japanese maple.
“This is my first time coming to an Arbor Day celebration,” she said, noting she’s usually working.
The celebration also included area youth committed to keeping green space in their community. Two Pottsville Area High School senior members of the Ecology Club, Katrina Whalen and Tyler Perry; and three Nativity BVM High School student ambassadors, Jocelyn Holobetz, Travis Hunyara and Tyler Zimerofsky offered several poetry readings about trees.
One reading was from Ilan Shamir’s poem, “Advice from a Tree.” Observations from the poem included: “Stand tall and proud; Remember your roots; Enjoy the view.”
Adrian Portland, PAHS adviser, said there are about 70 members in the Ecology Club. Whalen said fellow students were involved in last Friday’s clean-up along the Burma Road and will participate in the Envirothon on Tuesday.
“I like helping the environment and keeping Pennsylvania clean,” Perry said.
The cemetery site, off 1400 W. Market St., was just one of three tree-planting locations throughout the city on Friday. The Arbor Day celebration kicked off at 10 a.m. at CVS, Route 61 and E. Norwegian St.; continued at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Center, 2075 W. Norwegian St.; and concluded at 2 p.m. at the cemetery.
Ziegler said he was present for the day’s festivities assisting the commission, and making sure ordinances were followed.