Gatlinburg announces Arbor Day Celebration

The City of Gatlinburg has planned an Arbor Day Celebration with the students of Pi Beta Phi Elementary School for Friday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. City officials will be present for the presentation ceremony. A tree planting ceremony and an award presentation will take place on school grounds during the traditional Arbor Day Ceremony. Gatlinburg has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forest. It is the 18th year Gatlinburg has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Gatlinburg has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance. “Trees are a vital part of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits,” said John Rosenow, President of the National Arbor Day Foundation. “A community, and its citizens, that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserve recognition and thanks.” “This year we are excited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Tree City USA,” Rosenow added. “From its humble beginning in 1976, the program has grown to be the leading community forestry recognition program in the country. Communities like yours, who emphasize the important role trees play to the well being of its citizens, have made this program such a success.”