Eagle Valley Tree Fund receives grant

Soroptimists International of Carson City recently awarded a $1,000 grant to the Eagle Valley Golf Tree Fund.

When the East Course was built in 1976, the original

plans envisioned a wide-open municipal golf course in a parkland setting dotted with trees. Since then, the combination of the intervening years, poor initial selection and placement, and environmental stress has taken a toll on the original trees. With money tight at the non-profit managed golf facility, Administrative Assistant Jean Bondiett created the EVG Tree

Fund to purchase and ensure the survival of replacement trees for the East Course. All donations to the Tree Fund are tax-deductible as provided for by law.

"Over time, we have learned from mistakes made in the past," Bondiett said. "We have learned which species can survive with our reclaimed effluent spray irrigation system, alkaline soils, and high-desert environment--cold winters, hot summers, drought conditions and high winds. These funds will buy trees specifically chosen to thrive in our conditions."

In order to keep both the impact on the golfers and the transplant shock to the trees at a minimum, additions to the irrigation system for each tree will be completed later this year after the turf has gone dormant and golf play slows down. Each tree will be watered by a separate line with an adjustable bubbler, and with the capability of adding bubblers when the tree growth warrants.

Afterwards, in early spring when the trees are still dormant and all preparations are finished, as many trees will be planted as this year's funds allow.

The Carson City Municipal Golf Corporation, doing business as Eagle Valley Golf, is dedicated to providing affordable golf for Carson City residents and promotion of recreational opportunities for area youth. The East Course, especially, sees heavy usage year-round from Carson City seniors and Carson City school children, most of whom walk when playing.

The new trees will be placed to provide necessary shade in summer and increase course safety by separating fairways, as well as providing forage and shelter for local wildlife, enhancing Carson City open space, and aiding in alleviating environmental damage.

For more information on the East Course Tree Fund, call Bondiett,

887-2334, or drop by the golf course to pick up a brochure. (In the attached

photo, taken by Terry Gingell, Jean Bondiett removes a tag from a new tree

planted earlier this year)