Longtime Gainesville conservationist memorialized

GAINESVILLE - Arbor Day in Gainesville Friday focused on the loss of a woman described as one of the city's most dedicated conservationists.

Following a ceremony at the Gainesville Civic Center, friends of Ruth Lane gathered at Rock Creek Park for the planting of a Southern Magnolia in her honor.

Lane died last year at the age of 82.

She was active in numerous conservation groups and worked to get Gainesville designated a Tree City USA.