Pleasantdale Fourth Graders Plant a Part of History

Elementary School students Margo and Andrew Striegel helped plant a tree for Arbor Day outside the Monday night.

The tree the kids planted was a four-year-old Buroak sapling, the type of tree for which the village is named.

Years ago, there used to be a ridge of Buroak trees along County Line Road.

"A tree fell down last year in this prominent spot, so it was a perfect opportunity to do this here," said Gary Gatlin, the Village Arborist.  

Margo and Andrew also led the pledge of allegiance that opened Monday's Village Board meeting.

"Margo and Andrew are similar in that they are both dedicated, respectful and passionate about learning," said Mary Gary Grasso in introducing the twins.

Margo's favorite subjects in school are reading and writing. In her spare time, she likes to take part in ballet, gymnastics, ice skating and roller blading.

Andrew's favorite subjects in school are math and science. Outside school, he likes to play baseball, swim, golf and play tennis.

Before the twins picked up their shovels to help plant the tree, Gatlin told the twins the tree they were helping to plant something that would be around for a long time and would become part of the village's history.

"[This tree] should last 100 to 200 years," said Gatlin.

The sapling planted Monday night came from Wilson Nurseries in Hampshire, Illinois.