City Of Lakewood Celebrates 40 Years As A Tree City USA Community

Lakewood CO

05 May, 2022

6:41 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Lakewood: May 3, 2022 May 3, 2022- Addenbrooke Park, one of the city's larger community parks, recently received new trees, thanks to a joint effort between local students and city staff. With guidance from Lakewood's forestry staff, fourth-grade students from Belmar School of Integrated Arts planted the trees as part of the city's annual Arbor Day recognition and in celebration of Lakewood's designation as a Tree City USA community for the 40th year. The mayor was joined by members of the City of Lakewood Community Resources Department and forestry division staff as he issued an official proclamation of Arbor Day, April 28. Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear supported Dana Coehelo, of the State Forest Service, in answering questions from students about the importance of maintaining trees, diversifying our tree canopy, and forming a thriving urban forest to create numerous advantages for the community. While discussing how healthy trees can reduce the impact of fires, one student made a heartfelt connection by sharing the story of evacuating her home during a recent Colorado fire. Students established a commitment to the trees with each shovel-load of dirt, assigned new names such as "Bob Ross" and "Beanie" then promised to return daily to give compliments to help the trees grow. After the dirt reached the top roots and the water rings were established, each student left with a tree seedling to plant at home and new knowledge to share. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt gave an Arbor Day letter to school children, saying that "it is well that you should celebrate your Arbor Day thoughtfully, for within your lifetimes the Nation's need of trees will become serious." This quote could not be truer today. Forestry Supervisor Luke Killoran emphasized, "We need everyone's help to plant our community and make it a better place." In 2021, city forestry staff planted 95 trees in Lakewood. Learn more at Lakewood.org/Forestry. Hearing Impaired/TTY: 303-987-7057 This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author's own.