Garden club donates elm to park

STAFF Report

BOARDMAN — The Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown has donated a Valley Forge American elm tree to Boardman Township Park in memory of Gilbert E. “Bud” Kindelan.

Kindelan, a Boardman businessman, was president of the Garden Club in 1993 and 1994, receiving the club’s Bronze Award in 1999. He also was a World War II veteran in the 17th and 82nd Airborne, receiving the Bronze Star for valor during the Battle of the Bulge. He was active with his church and many organizations.

Dan Slagle, park executive director, said the tree is being planted in the Historical Village, and plans are being made for a dedication ceremony.

The Valley Forge American elm was chosen because it has a good tolerance level to Dutch elm disease. After 20 years of research, the U.S. National Arboretum has selected the Valley Forge American elm as the most tolerant to the disease, air pollution, drought and poor soil conditions.

Once the tree is planted, it can grow as much as 3 feet a year to a height of 26 feet, with a 30-foot crown at 12 years old.

The township park is the first to receive one of the Valley Forge American elm trees that the garden club will be planting in the Mahoning Valley, as part of its mission to restore the American elm.