SEARCY — The Searcy Tree Board will observe Arbor Day by planting a white oak tree in Spring Park on Saturday.
The tree will be planted during a ceremony at 10 a.m. The event is part of the board’s efforts to get Searcy recognized as a Tree City USA town.
The day will feature several guests and activities. Searcy public school students in kindergarten through the fourth grade are invited to participate in a tree coloring contest. Students may draw a picture of their favorite tree, color it and bring it to the park. Prizes will be awarded to the contest winners.
Boy Scout Troop 305, under the direction of their leader, Phil McGrath, will conduct a flag ceremony. Mayor David Morris will be among the speakers at the event. Other speakers include Kenneth Coley, an arborist and member of the tree board, and Ruby Bates with the Master Gardeners.
Tree City USA is an honor that comes from The National Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship.
“Our Arbor Day observance is the last step in qualifying Searcy by meeting the following standards: a city tree ordinance, a legal governing tree body and a comprehensive community forestry program,” Morris said.
Efforts to help Searcy become recognized as a Tree City USA began in 2010.
A Speakers Bureau Committee has speakers available to speak at civic club meetings and other venues. Anyone who would like to have a speaker talk about Tree City USA should contact Patsy Pipkin at (501) 268-9025.
Three Rivers, Pages 135 on 10/30/2011