HERMANN – Dozens of new trees will be planted around town, with many set for City Park, thanks to a grant obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The project to replace dead or dying trees — many the victim of the ash borer beetle — comes as Hermann celebrates 20 years of having the Tree City USA designation, says Hermann Tree Commission Chairman John Fleming.

Some of the trees that will be replaced in City Park are in low-lying areas.

“A number of trees in the City Park are in the flood zone and the floods have taken their toll,” Fleming told the Gasconade County Republican Monday afternoon.

The Conservation Department grant covers the planting of 42 trees. The replacement project amounts to two trees being planted for every tree taken out, Fleming said. He added that the new trees all should be planted within the next two weeks.

The Tree Commission chief said his organization could use some volunteer help in keeping the new trees watered. Anyone interested in volunteering their time for this should contact City Hall at 573-486-5400 or contact Fleming directly at 573-645-6637.

Fleming and other members of the Tree Commission last week marked Arbor Day again with 4th-Grade students in a tree-planting ceremony. The Conservation Department also was involved in this project; the state agency gives every 4th-Grade student a sapling to plant at home in observance of Arbor Day.

A public tree-planting ceremony, such as last week’s Arbor Day event with the 4th-Grade students is a requirement for maintaining the Tree City USA designation.