The Greening of Detroit

It was a simple act. It was a magnificent act. To paraphrase Charles Dickens from his novel "A Tale of Two Cities," 'It was the worse of times, it was the best of times.'

My daughter and I had come to Detroit's Pallister Park this early May morning to plant a commemorative tree for my stepmother. Rain was expected, but the forecast hadn't deterred the crowd of smiling eager volunteers.

I was quite surprised. Fresh from reading the morning headlines of what had been a particularly violent and depressing week. Three children killed for reasons that would never make any sense. It was enough to make you want to numb your mind, cutting off your emotions. And the national media and late-night talk show hosts continued to paint a dire image of the city or making it the butt of their tasteless jokes.

The city is like a punch drunk fighter staggering around the ring. Assailed on all sides by violence, poverty and corrupt members of city government. Like a boxer, Detroit is continually knocked down again and again. But our city is a fighter. One day the blows will be fewer and far between and Detroit will gain strength and stand tall.

But here we were standing in Pallister Park and slowly my senses began to awaken again. I was aware of the urban green space touched with morning dew. I raised my eyes and looked over the trees to the incredibly beautiful Fisher Building. Surely this park with its backdrop of tall buildings is Detroit's miniature version of New York's Central Park. Then I study the other people gathered in the park. The faces were young, old and representative of many races.

A member of The Greening of Detroit began speaking and gave a brief history of the organization that has planted over 60,000 trees, removed and cleaned debris from almost 1,400 vacant lots and has established 800 family community and school gardens providing approximately 130 tons of food. The organization was honored by the Detroit Free Press as one of the recipients of its Michigan Green Leaders Award.

Then the speaker reminded us of why we were there today. To plant a tree in memory of our loved ones or to celebrate a special event. A forester gave us step-by-step directions as she and her assistant actually planted a tree. I looked on with interest, twinged with trepidation. Could I possibly plant a tree? The most industrious thing I had ever planted were Geraniums in flower pots which adorn the front of my house. But basically I am willing to try most anything if I sense a modicum of success.

Finally we are actually ready to plant our tree. My daughter and I collect gardening gloves and shovels supplied by "The Greening of Detroit." We have noticed the people who are seasoned volunteers have bought their own.

It is soon discovered that there is a set number of trees to be planted so we must partner with someone. After looking around, we chose the couple we had briefly spoken to earlier that morning when we parked behind them. They are a young couple who volunteer regularly for Detroit tree plantings through an organization of their Birmingham, MI church.

We began digging the hole and their young daughter delights in saving the worms we have unearthed. She shows the many specimens to me before depositing them on the ground beside the hole. I am also delighted. The hole in progress not only reveals worms. There are chunks of bricks from the foundations of the homes that once occupied this urban green space. As the work continues, we are glad we have chosen this seasoned male volunteer. There are immovable chunks of stone which have to be broken up with a pick axe.

Finally the hole is dug and we measure it to ensure the proportions are correct. This is done by using the shovel handle. Now the Sweetgum tree is lowered into the hole. The burlap around its roots is unfurled and we began to pack dirt around the roots to achieve the proper upright position.

I imagine my stepmother in her time-worn black straw gardening hat assisting us. "More to the left," she instructs. "OK. Now just a little more to the right. There. That's perfect."

It has started to rain as we refill the hole with dirt and worms. We stand back and admire our work. I feel fresh air and raindrops cleansing my body. This was a healing experience for me. Planting a tree that will live long after me.

Did I do one small act to help heal the City of Detroit?

Did I do one small act to help heal the eco-system of this planet?