Residents planted about two dozen apple trees around town last weekend, part of an effort by resident Joe Poor to spruce up the town.

The trees went in along Main Street and Old Haines Highway and at locations around Fort Seward.

Poor said about 100 trees survived from 120 he brought here last year, cast-offs from Juneau’s Costco store.

“What we’re after is to make downtown beautiful. I’m hoping this helps attract people to town,” Poor said. Volunteers “adopted” individual trees and put them in numbered, pre-dug holes.

Besides a dozen straddling the old school property fronting Main Street, trees were planted on the lot east of the fire station, at the American Bald Eagle Foundation, near the Fort Seward fire hall and by the “Welcome to Fort Seward” sign.

Six trees were planted on private properties on the east side of Portage Street, leading uphill from the cruise ship dock.

Fort Seward volunteer Annette Smith envisioned a blossom festival similar to one held here decades ago that was the precursor to the Strawberry Festival.

Trees on borough property were distanced to prevent pollination. “We’re not after fruit production there. We’re after decorative function,” Poor said.