Memorial Service Video Part 2

Photos of Memorial Service

Early in the planning process for our 40th Reunion an idea was put forward of somehow doing something for the town of Iowa Falls that would enhance the life of the citizens of the community while at the same time creating a memory of  our  classmates who are no longer with us.  A decision was made to find a place to plant a tree for each of our late classmates.

In our search for a place to plant our trees, we contacted the Hardin County Conservation Board’s Director, who connected us with the management at the Calkins Nature Area, a 76-acre tract of land donated to the Ellsworth College Board of Trustees by Homer and Ruth Calkins in 1981.  (In 1993, the Hardin County Conservation Board took over management of the Area.)

The Calkins Nature Area is 76-acres of woodland, wetland and reconstructed native prairie, bordering the south side of the Iowa River as it swings from Alden into Iowa Falls.  In 1996, an Interpretive Center, promoting conservation, was built on the site.  The facility has a wildlife exhibit featuring over 30 different species of animals and fowl along with two miles of nature trails running throughout the property.

Due to the generosity of members and friends of the Class of 1969 a walking arboretum was established at the Calkins Nature Center in memory of deceased classmates.  Visitors and students can walk through the arboretum where they will find flowering Dogwood Pagodas, Viburnums and Red Buds. There is Burr Oak, White Pine, Norway Spruce, Sugar Maple, and Red and White Oaks.

A Class of 1969 Memorial Arboretum Brochure is provided to each guest.  The trees are numbered to match the names and information in the brochure.  Signage points out the Arboretum to visitors, and the brochure tells about the Class of 1969.

From current fundraising efforts, we have been able to purchase the first 14 trees for the Class of 1969 Arboretum to honor each of our 14 deceased classmates.  In addition, we have also donated money for the initial brochures and signage which will establish this as a permanent fixture at the Calkins Nature Area. 

Each tree has been hand grown by Hardin County Conservation Board personnel to a height of 5 to 6 feet, and was planted and will be maintained by trained arborists.

 A special fund has been established by the Calkins Center, at our request, so that anyone wishing to donate to the Class of 1969 Arboretum can do so in order to see it grow and expand and be maintained in perpetuity.

At each Class Reunion, the class will visit the Arboretum and add trees as necessary - HOWEVER - we are in no hurry to plant trees!!

We ask anyone that is able and willing to donate, to do so directly to the Calkins Nature Area at 18335 135th Street, Iowa Falls, IA.  50126 or through our IFhs69.com web site. Donations made directly to Calkins are tax deductable.

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