Vic Vatthauer and Ron Feigum have tended Starbuck’s trees for years

Most folks around Starbuck recognize a red 94 Chevy work truck and a guy named Vic (Vatthauer) and another guy named Ron (Feigum).  

Ron grew up in Starbuck and operated the town’s nursery for many years and Vic and his family moved to Starbuck in 1971 to develop the new Glacial Lakes State Park.  Both have planted more trees in Starbuck than “Carter has pills.”

These trees have grown to shade the state park campgrounds,  the city parks, and city streets.    Ten years ago Ron and Vic coordinated a formal Tree Inventory and Succession Plan to restore what was certain to be the failing of our ash tree population around town.

This spring they planted 11 trees for the city (3 colorful maples in Holly Skogen to restore native plants, and 8 linden and hawthorne trees along the main street sidewalks which will give a nice color in the fall and have the shape appropriate for city streets. 

“We sure appreciate it when residents and shop owners help to water these new trees.  Last summer was very dry and we had to carry lots of  buckets every day to keep them up.  New plantings especially need about a quart of water a day to get a good start,” Vic said.     

“A lot of people have worked hard to keep our city looking nice for residents and visitors,” said Ron who has been a long standing member of the Friendly Garden Club and Beautification Committees.  It takes a village of volunteers to do this job.  The volunteers deserve the thanks.

Ron and Vic said they are ready to pass on their shovels to the next generation.  “My truck is ready to retire with 395,000 miles on it.  “Red” deserves to ride out the next 5,000 miles for light duty errands.  We are glad to share our knowledge and love of trees with any apprentice who wants to learn,”  Vic said with a grin.