City of Aurora celebrates Arbor Day 2026 with community tree planting and a week of activities

The last Friday of April is celebrated as Arbor Day each year in the United States. In recognition of this tradition, the city of Aurora will observe Arbor Week beginning April 18. The weeklong celebration honors the importance of trees and encourages community involvement in planting and caring for Aurora's urban canopy.

Led by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, the city has designated April 18 through April 25 as Aurora Arbor Week. The weeklong celebration will kick off with the planting of 335 trees by more than 60 volunteers at Aurora's Plains Conservation Center (PCC), 21901 E. Hampden Ave., and conclude with a community tree planting celebration at Montview Park, 1901 Chester St., at 9 a.m. Saturday, April. 25.

"Aurora has proudly been recognized as a Tree City USA community for 42 years-a distinction that reflects its strong commitment to urban forestry, sustainability and environmental stewardship," said Brian Green, Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space. "This longstanding designation, as well as the activities that will take place during Aurora Arbor Week, highlight the city's ongoing investment in a healthy tree canopy, supporting community well-being, strengthening resilience and enhancing overall quality of life."

As part of Arbor Week, the city's "Reinvesting in Aurora's Urban Canopy for Social Equity and Climate Resilience" project will bring together more than 100 volunteers from local organizations and community groups to plant 78 new trees at Montview Park.

This green initiative is a collaborative effort between the city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. The project aims to strengthen community connections to Aurora's green spaces by actively involving residents in tree planting, maintenance and stewardship, while also increasing awareness of city resources available to the community.

In addition to planting 78 trees, volunteers will participate in first watering of the newly planted trees and a coordinated park clean-up. City officials, including Mayor Mike Coffman, are expected to attend the event. Mayor Coffman will deliver welcome remarks and formally present the Aurora Arbor Week Proclamation during the opening ceremony.

Through these efforts, the city of Aurora continues to invest in a healthier urban canopy, advance climate resilience, and build "Greener Communities and Brighter Futures" for all.

For more information about Aurora Arbor Week and the city's green initiatives, visit AuroraGov.org/GreenerCommunities.