The City of Topeka will plant a tree on Friday, April 29 at the Kansas Statehouse grounds in honor of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.
On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the City’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the southwest side of the Statehouse grounds.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day, and the important role that tree’s play in our lives and community,” said Travis Tenbrink, City of Topeka Forester. “Hopefully we will inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”
After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation at 11:30 a.m. designating Friday, April 29 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Arborist Association board members, and City Forestry Department staff. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Evelyn Stidham. Stidham is a 5th grade student at Highlands Elementary School in Mission, Kansas.
Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 36th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the City’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the importance trees play in our community.
In order to be recognized as a Tree City USA member, the City must meet four requirements: form a tree board or department, create a tree-care ordinance, have an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.