Temple members plant trees in memory of couple

Members of Temple Isaiah of Newport Beach gathered Saturday at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve to plant native elderberry trees to beautify and help restore the bay’s natural habitat.

A park bench with a commemorative plaque will be installed near the Temple Isaiah Elderberry Grove in front of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular view of the bay toward Newport Harbor.

With the help of the park rangers and volunteers from the Interpretive Center, 20 trees were planted in memory of Flory and Felix Van Beek.

The Van Beeks established Temple Isaiah in 1975, at 2401 Irvine Ave., across the street from the beautiful Back Bay of Newport Beach. The Temple’s members will continue to partner with the preserve, and plan to make the tree planting an annual event.