"Apple Blossoms for Appleton" returned May 9, 2024, for its third year, with 50 apple blossom trees being planted along the Apple Creek Trail. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Volunteers are doing their part to help Appleton flourish, one tree at a time.
“Apple Blossoms for Appleton” returned Thursday for its third year, with 50 apple blossom trees being planted along the Apple Creek Trail.
Babs, Michael and Matthew Smith are the organizers of the event.
“It started about 10 years ago when we took a trip to D.C. in the springtime to take in their cherry blossom festival, and coming back home, Babs actually had this idea of doing something similar for Appleton and we came upon apple blossom trees,” said Michael.
Babs said the trees, which are planted in parks and other public spaces, are donated to the city of Appleton by local residents and businesses. Many are “memorial trees” donated by friends and family in memory of a loved one.
“I really want people to enjoy the trees and to leave the world a better place than when I found it,” Babs said.
About 200 trees have been planted since the inception of Apple Blossoms for Appleton three years ago. Matthew said it’s inspiring to see how the community has banded together to support the project.
“You’ve got representatives and mayors and the city council and county supervisors, the amount of volunteers. I just think it’s really cool to see that happen,” he said.
State Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-57th District) was among those helping plant the trees.
This is along a really popular pathway that’s been used for biking, for walking, and it’s really great to provide what we call an urban canopy — which is trees that provide shade, and shelter for the wildlife out here. Not to mention that apple trees are really just beautiful and this is going to be something that people enjoy for generations to come,” Snodgrass said.
Michael said this is the best year so far in terms of volunteers and exposure for Apple Blossoms for Appleton. He hopes the trees will help draw more people to the city.
“When they’re all flowering, and long after we’re gone, when they’re taller and blooming better, this will be a real nice area,” said Michael. “It’s just going to get better as they get bigger and older. It becomes some small attraction for people to come visit Appleton. We’ve got a lot going in this city and this is just one more thing we’re adding to it.”
Babs briefly discussed the Apple Blossoms for Appleton project with Pat Sajak when she competed on Wheel of Fortune in March.
“Appleton, Wisconsin, you take your apples seriously, right?” Pat Sajak asked.
“I take our apple blossoms — we donate every year 50 trees and help plant them. Come on and help plant them with us,” Smith replied.
“Well, I appreciate it if you’ll make something apple for me,” Sajak responded.
Babs took second place, winning $5,500.
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