Six new trees planted at BA Arbor Day Celebration

Thanks to Arbor Day efforts by the city's Forestry Division, 20 Oakcrest Elementary students, and the City Council, six new trees are now growing at Arrowhead Park, 300 E. Washington St.

Mayor Debra Wimpee declared the week of March 23 as Arbor Week in Broken Arrow.

In a proclamation, Wimpee said Arbor Day encourages people to plant trees in both cities and rural areas. It promotes proper tree care and reminds us of the many benefits trees provide.

"I encourage everyone to celebrate Arbor Week by planting reliable trees that will benefit future generations," Wimpee said.

Blake Matthews, Crew Leader for the Forestry Division, welcomed Shelby Huckleby's second-grade class to the annual event by reciting a Greek proverb.

"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit," he said. "The point is, when you plant a tree, more people will benefit from the action than just you. Trees have a positive impact on our physical and mental health, they clean the air, they lower energy costs, and they help control erosion."

The students helped plant three oak trees and three bald cypress trees in front of the pond at Arrowhead Park. It was an opportunity for the students to put into practice what they had been studying in class.

"We've been learning about erosion and keeping our water resources and land safe," Huckleby said. "They've been learning about how roots can help cause a barrier for the water, so this is great to be so close to the pond."

Matthews also discussed with the students how trees make the landscape more beautiful and provide important habitats for wildlife and humans.

"Wherever you live-unless it's a cave-trees were needed to build your home," he said.

In addition to science, the students also gained valuable information that corresponds with their social studies lessons according to Assistant Principal Cathy Sisco.

"Our students are learning how to work with the community and to be good citizens. This event has given them a valuable opportunity to engage directly with city leaders and apply what they learn in class to real-world experiences," Sisco said.

Arbor Day has been celebrated since 1872, when J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska resident, suggested a tree-planting holiday. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872, and people planted over a million trees across Nebraska. Arbor Day has been recognized in Oklahoma since 1982.

This year marks Broken Arrow's 26th year as a Tree City USA member and has been recognized by the Oklahoma Forestry Service and the Oklahoma Community Forest Council for achieving National Certification from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Broken Arrow was among 37 communities, campuses, and utility companies honored for accomplishing specific criteria for planting and caring for trees, woodlands, and community forests in their communities and on campuses.

The criteria include the following:

• Maintaining a Tree Board
• Having a community tree ordinance
• Spending at least $2 per capita on community forest activities
• Celebrating Arbor Week.

The Tree City USA program exists to recognize best practices in public and private utility arboriculture by demonstrating how trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of the community.

Residents who want to leave a legacy beyond Arbor Week can participate in the City's Commemorative Tree Program. It's a way for family, friends, companies, churches, and civic organizations to donate trees for planting in one of the City's parks.

Donors may request the park and type of tree, such as shade, flowering, or evergreen. The City's Parks Department will plant and maintain the tree for three years. A donor's plaque will be next to the tree, and the donor will receive location information. A commemorative tree donation is $225 per tree. Additional trees ordered at the same time cost $200 each. Go to Commemorative Tree for more information.