Sapling Continues Growing on Hoover Dam as Warm, Wet Weather Fuels Growth
Planning For The Fourth in Westerville
A small tree and a collection of hardy weeds continue to grow on the massive face of Hoover Dam, a reminder that nature exploits every opportunity, even in the least hospitable places. First noticed last summer, the tree and its neighbors appear healthier and more established than last year.
In recent weeks, warm temperatures and consistent rainfall have allowed vegetation to thrive across Central Ohio, contrasting sharply with last year's drought conditions. Green shoots now cling to the sloped spillway of the dam, sprouting from a crack where aging concrete has created a gap that collects drifting seeds.
The sapling seems to be a cottonwood, a species recognized for its ability to germinate in floodplains and shallow soil. Last year, a spokesperson commented on the tree, stating, “The sapling is growing in a crack that is set to be removed as part of the planned maintenance work. If water were flowing over this particular section, it would have been washed away by now.”
An inspection this week shows that the tree is still standing, has grown taller, and there appears to be increased erosion on the face of the dam.
Last year's drought conditions allowed the tree to take root over several months, as the reservoir's water level was too low to spill over the dam's concrete face. Without the usual scouring effect of flowing water, seeds that would typically be washed away were instead able to take root and grow. Now, grasses, moss, and scattered weeds have joined the cottonwood, creating vibrant green and yellow bands that contrast with the stained concrete of the spillway.
Though the growth offers a striking example of resilience, unchecked vegetation on dams poses real risks. Plant roots can widen cracks and retain moisture, accelerating deterioration. Over time, this damage can complicate inspections, increase maintenance costs, and, in severe cases, compromise the structural integrity of the building itself.
Hoover Dam, technically located within Columbus city limits but long considered a central landmark for Westerville and nearby communities, underwent partial refurbishment last year. A more extensive round of repairs and preventative maintenance, addressing concrete, drainage, and electrical systems, was slated to begin in 2025, according to the Columbus Water Division.
Until then, the tree and its companions will remain an unexpected testament to nature’s persistence, waiting perhaps for either for the next round of high water to wash them away or for maintenance crews to clear them by hand.
The Tree in October 2024
An All-Day Celebration in Westerville for Independence Day 2025
Westerville, Ohio, is set for a full day of patriotic festivities on Friday, July 4, 2025, organized by the Rotary Club of Westerville. The day's events will span from early morning until late evening, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
Morning Events
7:00 a.m. - Veterans Honor Guard Ceremony
The day will commence with a solemn Veterans Honor Guard Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in the Westerville Athletic Complex.
7:15 a.m. - Kids Fun Run Dashes
Following the ceremony, the youngest patriots can participate in the Kids Fun Run dashes, also at the Westerville Athletic Complex. This event features sprints for children aged 11 and under.
8:00 a.m. - Independence Day 5K
The annual 5K Walk/Run will begin at the Westerville Athletic Complex. A pre-race ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m., before the race's official start. The race will take place on paved trails through the Westerville Sports Complex and Heritage Park.
9:00 a.m. - Street Closures for Parade
In preparation for the parade, State Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from County Line Road to Electric Avenue. The closure is expected to last until noon.
10:30 a.m. - Independence Day Parade
The 2025 Independence Day Parade, a tradition staged by the Rotary Club since 1962, will step off from St. Paul Church at 313 N. State St. The parade will travel south through historic Uptown Westerville, concluding at Westerville South High School. The theme for this year's parade is “Stars, Stripes, & Freedom Unite!”. Janet Tressler Davis, the retiring President and CEO of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the Grand Marshal.
Afternoon and Evening Festivities
2:00 p.m. - Road Closures for Evening Events
Cleveland Avenue will be closed between County Line Road and Heritage Park until 11 p.m. to accommodate the evening's expanded celebrations.
5:00 p.m. - Free Concert Series, Food Truck Festival, and Fun Zone
The evening's activities will kick off at the Westerville Sports Complex. A Food Truck Festival featuring at least 15 vendors will begin serving a variety of dining options. Simultaneously, a free Concert Series will begin, featuring country artist Lee Gantt from 5:00 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. The City of Westerville will also host a free "Fun Zone" featuring inflatables, a giant slide, and games such as a bungee run and Hungry Hippos.
7:40 p.m. - Concert Series Continues
The second act of the concert series, LDNL, will take the stage, performing an eclectic mix of pop, dance, funk, and rock until 9:50 p.m.
10:00 p.m. - Fireworks Show
The day will culminate with the annual fireworks display, launched from Heritage Park. The show will be synchronized to patriotic music. The Westerville Sports Complex is recommended as the best location for viewing. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled for the same time and location on Saturday, July 5.
Road Closures And Parking Planning
Navigating Westerville on July 4th will require some planning due to road closures and high attendance at the day's events. Here is a guide to parking and detours for the city's Independence Day celebrations.
Morning Events: 5K and Parade
Road Closures & Detours:
The primary road closure for the morning will be State Street, which shuts down between County Line Road and Electric Avenue starting at 9 a.m. for the parade. This closure will last until the parade concludes around noon. Traffic will be detoured around the Uptown area during this time.
Parking:
For those attending the 5K race at the Westerville Athletic Complex, parking will be available at the complex itself.
For the parade, ample free parking is available in the public lots throughout Uptown Westerville. Since many businesses are closed for the holiday, parking on side streets approaching State Street is expected to be more plentiful than usual. It is recommended to arrive early to find a good spot.
Evening Events: Concert, Food Trucks & Fireworks
Road Closures & Detours:
Significant road closures will be in effect for the evening festivities. Cleveland Avenue will be closed from County Line Road to Hanawalt Road from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. This closure enables an expanded celebration area, extending from the Westerville Community Center to the Sports Complex. Heritage Park will also be closed to all vehicular traffic for the day in preparation for the fireworks.
Parking:
Public parking for the evening events will not be permitted at the Westerville Sports Complex. The primary general parking area will be at the Westerville Community Center, accessible via the County Line Road entrance beginning at 4 p.m.
ADA-accessible parking will be available in the Westerville Senior Center parking lot, also located at 350 N. Cleveland Ave. and accessible from County Line Road.
Additional parking may be found at nearby businesses unless signs indicate otherwise. In previous years, lots for businesses like DHL have been used for public parking, significantly increasing availability. It is advisable to look for official event signage directing you to approved lots.
Given the large crowds expected, arriving early is highly recommended. Be prepared for significant delays when leaving the area after the fireworks display concludes.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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