Success StoryLong Term Tornado Recovery Tree Give Away



Long Term Tornado Recovery Tree Give Away

Author: Shane Bogle

Planning Unit: Caldwell County CES

Major Program: Tornado Response and Recovery

Plan of Work: Local Commodities Provide Agriculture Income

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Almost a year after the devastating tornado tore through Princeton, KY, the community transformation has been a positive one. A locally led recovery team has focused on the immediate needs, but at the same time with forethought to facilitate the long term sustainability of a thriving community. Caldwell County Extension has been honored to set on the Caldwell County Long Term Recovery Team and contribute to multiple areas of recovery.  A noticeable consequence of the tornado is the massive loss of trees in the community.  We easily see the mass destruction of large acreage of forestry but what about the urban forestry?  The 200 year old oak tree that stood in the yard of a stately multigenerational home is irreplaceable and much more than a simple "dollar value" to that family and community. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide critical benefits to our communities. Replacing these trees in city limit subdivisions was listed as one of the many priorities. Caldwell County Extension partnered with the KY Division of Forestry and the Arbor Day Foundation to provide a native tree give away to community members affected by the tornado.  20 species totaling over 500 high quality trees were available for "adoption" on our Saturday distribution day.  Forestry and Extension staff were on hand to answer questions and help participants choose the best tree and provide care and site requirement information for each tree. The Extension office parking lot was utilized.  The event was scheduled for a 4 hour period but trees were gone in less than an hour. Community members present were more than appreciative.  Stories were shared, tears were shed and a community continues to rebuild one step at a time. 






Stories by Shane Bogle


Garden in a Bag

about 3 years ago by Shane Bogle

With the pandemic, all programming was cancelled or converted to a virtual format. In an effort to s... Read More


Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association Provides Leadership

about 3 years ago by Shane Bogle

The Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemens Association has a storied history of leadership and community support i... Read More


Stories by Caldwell County CES


Garden in a Bag

about 3 years ago by Shane Bogle

With the pandemic, all programming was cancelled or converted to a virtual format. In an effort to s... Read More


4-H Camp! Just What We Needed

about 3 years ago by Rhonda Jewell

The effects that Covid-19 has had on our youth will not be known for some time. However, many expert... Read More