The Columbia Tree Society, the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission, has begun its annual membership drive for 2024. Membership dues enable the Shade Tree Commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough.

Over the last 33 years, the Shade Tree Commission has planted approximately 950 trees in the community and has maintained street trees. For its work, the organization has received the National Arbor Day Foundation's "Tree City USA" designation for 33 consecutive years.

The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as tree planting in yards, parks, and public places, as trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. Other potential benefits of trees include increased property values, reduced air pollution, lower noise levels, lower heating and air-conditioning costs and increased resale values.

Serving as this year's honorary chairperson for the membership drive is lifelong Columbia resident William H. "Bill" Kloidt Jr. He and his wife, Donna, are the parents of Gretchen and Elizabeth, and they have two sons-in-law: Sean Sargen and Tim Smith. They are also the grandparents of Ethan, Liam, Lillie, Nolan, and Mason.

Bill is a 1972 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and a 1977 graduate of Millersville University. He is a retiree of Branches Bank & Trust, now Truist Bank, where his career spanned 42 years. He now serves as the executive director of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, a post he held since 2020. He served on the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission for 25 years and served on the Arbor Day Committee for 33 years.

He is an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and serves on the board of directors of several service organizations in his hometown of Columbia.

The learn how to contribute to the Columbia Tree Society, call Bill at 717-201-5134.

Community members may also purchase a memorial certificate in memory of a loved one. The certificate will be presented to the donor in his or her deceased loved one's name at the annual Arbor Day Observance to be held on Friday, April 26, at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St.

A copy of the Shade Tree's annual report can be requested by contacting Bill at the aforementioned number.

Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are Amy Evans, chairperson; Julie Lehmer, secretary; Amanda Hawn, treasurer; Caroline McGrath; and Nora Motter-Stark.

The Shade Tree Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers in maintaining street trees and park trees. Anyone interested in participating may contact a member of the Shade Tree Commission or call the Columbia Borough office at 717-684-2467.