Today was the kickoff event for Nevada County Reads, a countywide reading and community engagement program that brings residents together through shared literature and events. Residents were treated to live music by Chris Crockett in the amphitheater at the Madelyn Helling Library before Librarian Ian Boalt talked about this year’s book selection, North Woods by Daniel Mason and the decision to plant a tree in honor of the book. He thanked the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries, the Master Gardeners of Nevada County and Community Asian Theater of the Sierra (CATS) for being there and helping to shape this and many more events, including a public author talk with Daniel Mason on April 11 at Sierra College.
Boalt said the tree planting symbolizes how history is connected to a physical place and persists through time to future generations. County Librarian Nick Wilczek thanked the Boalt and library team and emphasized that Nevada County Reads is focused on spending time together, talking, discussing, and learning – really coming together as a community. He welcomed Nevada County Board of Education Trustee Louise Johnson, Nevada County Supervisor Sue Hoek and Grass Valley Mayor Hilary Hodge. County CEO Alison Lehman explained she views Nevada County Reads as translating to community building and applauded the community for being curious, lifelong learners, appreciative of the arts, and lovers of their libraries.
The Master Gardeners of Nevada County donated the tree for the event and Master Gardener Tiffany Day discussed the importance of oak trees. Among the facts she shared:
- Oak trees are considered a keystone species.
- Oak trees support biodiversity, including hundreds of species of caterpillars, moths, and wasps, as well as critters like squirrels, bears, and raccoons.
- Oak trees can live for 900 years, growing for 300 years, standing for another 300 years, and then slowly declining while providing habitat for about 300 more years.
- Oak trees support hundreds of caterpillars, which are the favorite food for baby birds.
Day recommended planting a native oak species, like the valley oak, rather than one brought from another location, to better support local wildlife. The motto of Master Gardeners is “the right plant in the right place,” so consider if the type of oak fits the site. She also invited anyone with questions about oak trees, or anything garden-related to join the Master Gardeners at their free workshops or contact them via their website. Their next worksop is tomorrow, Saturday Feb 7th from 10 to noon at the Demonstration Garden, NID Grounds, 1036 W. Main St. Grass Valley.
The ceremonial planting was completed, photos were taken and now it is time to read. If you want to augment your book collection, the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries are holding their monthly Book Sale tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 7th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Doris Foley Library for Historical Research at 211 N. Pine St. in Nevada City. All proceeds benefit the Nevada County Libraries.