Lakewood celebrates Arbor Day and 43 years of Tree City USA

Lakewood celebrates Arbor Day and 43 years of Tree City USA

Published on May 09, 2025

Members of Lakewood scout troops provided hands-on support by planting trees during an Arbor Day celebration on May 1 at O'Kane Park. Joined by city officials, the festivities opened with an official proclamation from Ward 2 City Council Member Isabel Cruz recognizing the vital importance trees play in our community. Mary Danser of the Colorado State Forest Service followed with remarks on how to care for the environment and the positive impact the scouts' work will have on the park. Contributing to the celebrity lineup, trusted mascot, Smokey Bear was in attendance to assist the scouts with their efforts.

Divided into teams paired with City of Lakewood forestry staff, scouts from Packs 437, 537 and 847 planted deciduous trees across the park while learning optimal planting methods and safety guidelines to ensure their young trees would thrive. Each group dug holes to plant the root ball, added mulch around the tree's base and named their tree. Park staff secured the trees with stakes to support and protect their growth.

Lakewood's forestry supervisor, Eric Shardlow, educated attendees on tree care, the importance of a diverse tree canopy and the value a healthy urban forest brings to the community.

"Arbor Day in Lakewood gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with our scouts. Planting trees together isn't just about adding to our city's tree canopy; it's a hands-on lesson in the importance of our environment and how we can all play a part in caring for our habitat," said Shardlow.

This celebration contributes toward Lakewood's eligibility to continue as a Tree City USA for more than 40 years. The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to Tree City USA communities that show increased dedication to tree care and community involvement by maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. Lakewood showcased its commitment to these ideals by planting over 500 trees across the city's parks system throughout 2024.

To learn more about Lakewood's tree canopy and how you can support a healthy urban forest visit Lakewood.org/Forestry.

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Related Information

• Lakewood Forestry
• Arbor Day Foundation

• City News