SMETHPORT – On April 25, Arbor Day, the McKean County Conservation District held a celebration with a tribute to Conservation District Director Blaine Puller, who passed away last year.

McKean County Commissioner Tom Kreiner presented an Arbor Day proclamation on behalf of the county commissioners. The proclamation stated that Arbor Day is observed the last Friday in April throughout the nation to observe the importance of trees and urged all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the wellbeing of this and future generations.

Puller served as a McKean County Conservation District director for 17 years with 10 of those years as vice-chairman and a year as chairman. As a dedicated director, Puller served on various committees that were instrumental to the implementation of the district’s Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Program and water quality projects.

‘Every time we traveled the roads of McKean County for the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Program there was always a story to be heard from Blaine giving us memories that we will always carry with us,’ said Sandy Thompson, district manager. ‘Family, friends and former co-workers gathered to share their favorite memories and stories of Blaine that made everyone laugh, cry and remember the wonderful person Blaine was.’

The celebration ended with everyone making a visit to the ‘celebration maple’ tree planted by the McKean County Conservation District in front of the district office in Puller’s memory. As a living tribute, 50 white oak seedlings were shared for participants to also plant in his memory.

Blaine Puller during a Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road program site visit as a McKean County Conservation District director.

Photo submitted