By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton’s Shannon Cemetery has a freshly planted young Princeton Elm that has been dubbed “Cory.” When the Village of Bluffton Tree Commission and local Cub Scouts joined together on April 25 for an Arbor Day celebration, the two groups enjoyed working together to plant a tree near the sidewalk at Jefferson and Vance streets.

Commission member Becky Ramey encouraged the children to name the tree, to come back and visit it in the coming weeks and years, and even to water it when the weather is dry.

The Princeton Elm was donated by the John Hancock chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution as part of a 250th Anniversary project.

The tree is described as a classic, true American tree, boasting massive scaffold branches that give great shade. This elm is not a hybrid but a true American Elm with a record of resistance to Dutch elm disease. This variety of elm grows to a height of 50-70 feet with a canopy of 30-50 feet.

Tree commission members at the event were Ramey, Jonathan Andreas and Jon Sommer. Village Council liaison Ben Stahl was also there in his capacity as Scoutmaster for Troop 3256. Volunteer Jeff Ramey also provided instruction and encouragement for the Scouts.