This year’s Arbor Day theme – “Our Trees Our Legacy” – highlights the importance of trees in strengthening community foundations
VANCOUVER — The city of Vancouver will begin its monthlong community celebration of trees with a traditional Arbor Day planting event at noon, Wed., April 10, at Fire Station 2, 2106 Norris Road, in the Maplewood Neighborhood.
This year’s Arbor Day theme – “Our Trees Our Legacy” – highlights the importance of trees in strengthening community foundations and improving our quality of life for generations to come. Vancouver residents are invited to join in the one-hour event and receive a free tree seedling to take home and plant, adding to our community’s urban forest. Activities and crafts will also be available to make Vancouver’s Arbor Day a family-friendly event.
During the event, Vancouver will be recognized with the prestigious Tree City USA Growth Award and as Tree City USA for the 30th consecutive year. In addition, awards will be presented to the city of Vancouver and Clark Public Utilities for urban forest activities, and to local tree heroes recognized with this year’s Mac Awards.
The event will also highlight the grand bigleaf maple (acer macrophyllumthat) that was preserved during construction of the fire station. This maple is one of the newest trees added to the Heritage Trees inventory of big, unique and historical trees. Concluding the event, the ceremonial planting of the official Arbor Day tree, a non-fruiting ginko biloba, will be added to the grounds. The ginko is one of the oldest known trees.
“Our community’s trees are entwined with our community’s history,” Vancouver’s Urban Forester Charles Ray said. “We celebrate the past through trees planted decades, even centuries ago, and we celebrate the future by planting today. These trees will grow and serve as an inspiration to work together to reach greater heights.”
Unable to attend the official Arbor Day event? Consider celebrating Arbor Month by planting a tree at home or attend a TreeTalk Workshop, featuring tree pruning on April 12 and tree planting on April 26. For a complete listing of tree-related activities, including times and locations, visit the Urban Forestry webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry or call (360) 487-8308.
Urban Forestry is a branch of the city of Vancouver’s Department of Public Works. Arbor Day is a national observance encouraging tree planting and proper tree care. For more information, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website at www.arborday.org.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
