Former Pierre Man Honored with Tree Plantings, Benches and Sign at Pierre Arboretum
A former Pierre man was honored yesterday as part of a dedication event held at Pierre's Arboretum. The arboretum holds a number of different native species of trees and is located in southeast Pierre near the Izaak Walton Club.
Yesterday, two benches, some recent tree plantings and a sign, honoring former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee Robert Klumb, were dedicated at the arboretum. Klumb and a co-worker were killed in a 2013 vehicle-pedestrian crash near Pickstown. Several friends were able to raise money for trees and other items to be placed at the arboretum to honor the long-time outdoors enthusiast. One of those friends is Richard Madsen-who worked with Dr. Klumb. Madsen says the idea for wording on a sign put up at the arboretum came from one of Klumb's favorite sayings. The sign reads “A Walk Through a Fine Stand of Trees Can Untie all the Knots in Ones Mind”.
Madsen says Klumb was very serious about youth education and he hopes that the arboretum can become one of the local places that families and youngsters continue to visit.
Madsen says he believes Klumb would be happy with the attention given to local natural resources, but might be embarrassed with the recognition he's been given.
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill gave comments at yesterday's dedication and says the nature arboretum is one of the special locations in town that is sometimes overlooked.
Seven trees were planted last year at the arboretum for Klumb and this year four have been put in place. Madsen says Klumb's family is thankful for all the goodness that people have shown for their loved one.