City Of Ames: Arbor Day Tree Planting Planned

Ames IA

28 April, 2022

1:17 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Ames: April 26, 2022 In recognition of Arbor Day and the value trees bring to the community, the Ames Parks and Recreation Department has planned a collaborative tree planting ceremony with Ames Trees Forever. The public is welcome to attend the planting of three trees at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29, at Stuart Smith Park, 1501 S. Fourth St., just east of the playground. The first Arbor Day was held in Nebraska City, Neb., through the efforts of J. Sterling Morton in 1872. More than one million trees were planted in Nebraska that first Arbor Day. One century later, the Arbor Day Foundation was formed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Arbor Day and to carry on the mission of the tree-planters' holiday. In 1976, the Arbor Day Foundation began its Tree City USA program. Ames was recently recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for being a Tree City for the past 38 years. "We are continually evaluating our community's public trees and providing care when necessary to keep our tree stock vibrant and healthy," said Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent. "Over the last few years, the Emerald Ash Borer infesting ash trees and the the derecho in 2020 both damaged a lot of trees on public and private property. When we plant new trees, we are keeping our eyes to the future to ensure future generations have trees to enjoy and the benefits they provide." The Parks and Recreation Department manages 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. Indoor programs are provided year-round at the Community Center and Ames/ISU Ice Arena. For more information, go to the Parks and Recreation homepage at www.amesparkrec.org or call the Community Center at 515.239.5350. This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author's own.