Huron Pines AmeriCorps Members & Community Volunteers Unite for Gaylord’s Tornado Recovery

The Russ Mawby Signature Service Project of Huron Pines AmeriCorps is an annual endeavor in which our members join forces with volunteers to make a positive and lasting impact on a Northern Michigan community.

For the past year, community organizations in Gaylord have worked to recover and rebuild following a powerful EF-3 tornado which struck the Alpine Village on May 20, 2022. Those efforts have shifted from clearing streets, restoring utilities and providing shelter in the immediate aftermath of the storm, to addressing the needs of the community and its residents long term.

As the one-year anniversary of the tornado approached this spring, we committed our May Russ Mawby Signature Service Project to Gaylord’s continued recovery, planting trees in yards and public spaces across the city with the help of more than 100 community volunteers as part of a larger three-day event marking the storm’s anniversary.

Many Hands Work Together for a Heavy Lift

Equipped with shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows, volunteers installed 110 trees on private and public property in Gaylord’s northern neighborhoods. Another 30 trees and shrubs were given to landowners who were impacted by the tornado but live just outside the city limits.

The collaborative project helps restore the city’s tree canopy and adds shade and beauty to public spaces and the homes of residents who were impacted by the tornado. Additionally, planting diverse species improves the community’s resilience to tree diseases, invasive insect pests and the effects of climate change, and helps capture and filter stormwater runoff for improved water quality.

Lisha Ramsdell is Associate Director of Huron Pines which oversees the AmeriCorps program.

“Meeting with residents who were impacted by the tornado a year ago, and for them to see the community come together and replace their trees which were lost, has been a positive experience for all,” Ramsdell said. “Huron Pines AmeriCorps is about using our members’ expertise to meet the needs of their communities and joining forces with others in the common goal of helping their neighbors.”

Victor Ma is the member serving at Huron Pines in Gaylord as Community Stewardship Specialist. He played a significant role in orchestrating the project including selecting climate appropriate trees and shrubs, coordinating with landowners and underground utility companies, and providing tree recipients with care instructions to ensure their new trees thrive.

“It was inspiring to see how many people showed they care for the community by helping out with this event,” Ma said. “I think volunteers really wanted to give back to their city and show that a tornado isn’t going to keep Gaylord down.”