The City of Bartlesville will hold an Arbor Day ceremony at noon on Oct. 12 at the Lee Lake South Shelter, located at 2200 S.E. Adams Blvd.
“Arbor Day is one day each year that is set aside to recognize the importance of preserving and promoting the continued good health of the earth’s trees,” said Parks Superintendent Bobby Robinson. “The City has a long history of excellence in this area, and our annual Arbor Day ceremony is an effort to continue educating citizens about this very important issue.”
A Chinese Pistache tree was planted earlier this year near the shelter, where the official ceremony will take place.
The Bartlesville City Council recently recognized Arbor Day by proclamation, stating the holiday began in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.
“Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,” the proclamation states. “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community.”
The City of Bartlesville has been recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 39 consecutive years.