Pictured: The tree planting was held in connection with the Greening Planet Global Initiative, a Ukraine-based effort that is focused on bringing together 100 million people globally around planting trees.

Wellen Park recently hosted representatives from eight local Rotary Clubs, the City of North Port and local Ukrainian community groups to plant five pine trees, donated by People for Trees to symbolize peace and community roots and in recognition of the local Ukrainian community. David Pankiw, president-elect of the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club and a second-generation American of Ukrainian descent, led the tree planting planning efforts with community support. He has been involved with Rotary for 31 years. Understanding and respecting other cultures, which includes the Ukrainian tree planting project, is important to Pankiw. Local Rotary Clubs have held tree plantings in past years in connection with the Greening Planet Global Initiative, a Ukraine-based effort that is focused on bringing together 100 million people globally around planting trees. This year’s tree planting holds increased significance with the current events taking place in Ukraine. The participating Rotary Clubs included the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Venice Suncoast, Rotary Club of North Port Central, Rotary Club of Rotonda West, Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Englewood, Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset and Rotary Club at Wellen Park. With guidance from landscapers, participants dug holes and planted the trees behind the Wellen Park Welcome Center at the northeast corner of Market Way and Sunglow Boulevard. 

Pictured: The tree planting was held in connection with the Greening Planet Global Initiative, a Ukraine-based effort that is focused on bringing together 100 million people globally around planting trees.