Preserving LC’s historic oaks

$100k endowment will allow for ongoing maintenance of 63 oak trees

The City of Lake Charles announced its newest public/ private philanthropic partnership Monday as part of its Earth Day news conference.

The Chad Thielen Central School Oak Tree Endowment was created between the City of Lake Charles, Friends of Central School, the Coastal Plains Conservancy and the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana to ensure the 63 oaks planted on the grounds of Central School will be enjoyed for generations to come, Nic Hunter, mayor, said.

“Yes, infrastructure matters — better roads, sewers, drainage. Those things matter, but quality of life matters as well. We must work together to provide a city in which we are proud to live,” he said.

The $100,000 endowment will allow for ongoing trimming, thinning and maintenance by licensed arborists for the oaks, some of which are over 100 years old. “Preservation matters. Preservation is critical,” he said.

The fund is named after the late Chad Thielen, founder of the Coastal Plains Conservancy. The conservancy is a local non-profit dedicated to protecting the environment, sustaining natural and cultural heritage and conserving lands vital to our economic future, Hardtner Klump, spokesman for the conservancy said.

When the non-profit was approached about the partnership, Klump said the decision to participate and name the fund after Thielen was an easy choice. “Chad lived and breathed conservation in all aspects of his life.”

Celebrating the arts was also “literally in his blood” as his mother, Della Thielen, was the first director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, Klump said. “I truly believe that there’s nothing more appropriate than creating an endowment with his name that will protect and preserve these beautiful oak trees around Central School Arts and Humantities Center.”

For more information on endowment, contact the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana at 491-6688.

””

Nic Hunter, City of Lake Charles mayor; Hardtner Klump, Coastal Plains Conservancy; Laura Leach, Friends of Central School; and Jan Thielen, wife of Chad Thielen, unveil the Chad Thielen Central School Oak Tree Endowment as part of the city’s Earth Day news conference Monday.

MarlisaHardingEducation Reporter
https://www.americanpress.com/content/tncms/avatars/c/0d/19e/c0d19e70-2d24-11e8-a86e-f3d9bd260968.4f437082063c8f49429c070902635588.png

SportsPlus

Local News

Early election takeaways: Trump weakens Democrats’ coalition

Local News

Vidrine elected to serve as Oakdale’s next mayor

Local News

Trump wins North Carolina while votes are still being counted in other key states

Local News

Voters statewide approve constitutional amendment

Local News

Judge Davis elected newest member of Court of Appeal

Local News

Jeff Davis elects two new mayors, re-elects police chief

Local News

Cameron voters approve four bond issues

Local News

Early election takeaways: Next president will lead fractured nation

Local News

Speaker Johnson re-elected to a fifth term in the House

Local News

Trump, Harris win reliable states while voters await battleground results

Business

Westlake Chemical plant fined $825,000

Local News

Rafael strengthens to Category 1 hurricane as it barrels toward Cuba

Local News

AP race call: Trump wins Texas

Local News

AP race call: Trump wins Louisiana

Crime

11/5: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Tropical Storm Rafael expected to become a hurricane — possibly overnight

Local News

‘Cream of the crop’ responds to call for state’s largest marching festival

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: State Marching Championship

Local News

Trump, Harris cede stage to voters who’ll also decide control of House and Senate

Business

City of Lake Charles issues #ShopLocalLC Challenge for holidays

Business

Jeff Davis Police Jury supports plans for solar manufacturing facility

Local News

America decides: Election Day is here

McNeese Sports

Cowboys drop opener to Jackrabbits

Local News

Sulphur water quality conversations to be held this week