Story and photo by Monty Siekerman

They call it "elephant snot," but members of the tree commission love the stuff because it makes small trees live longer in bags.

The real term for the gooey mixture is Poly Sorb, something that members of the commission add to plastic bags before putting in a dawn redwood sapling.

The trees will be handed out to all Ada third graders on Friday in recognition of National Arbor Day.

Pictured are (from left) Dick Lawrence, a member of the commission for over 30 years; Angela Polackek, assistant village administrator; and Terry Keiser, village forester.

Meanwhile, other members of the commission were placing informative brochures into packets to give to the children at the school. The pamphlets describe the value and care of trees.

Happy National Arbor Day, y'all.