Tree City USA to Hold Annual Arbor Day Celebration

Wetumpka’s annual Arbor Day celebration will be held March 8, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Gold Star Park. This year’s event will feature a memorial tree planting, presentation of the Tree City award, and distribution of free tree seedlings to attendees.

The planting will be in honor of the late Anne Robinson, Dianne Enslen, Marion Sanford and Watt Jones, Jr. “The City of Wetumpka likes to take this opportunity to recognize and honor the citizens who have played a major role in the community,” said Mayor Jerry Willis. “By planting a tree in their honor, they will be remembered for their contributions and dedication to Wetumpka.”

This is the twenty-ninth year Wetumpka has been recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Wetumpka has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Reduce the heat island effect in urban area caused by pavement and buildings.
• Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

The local Arbor Day program is sponsored by the Wetumpka’s Tree City Committee and Wetumpka Pride. The public is encouraged to attend.