Arbor Day celebration slated

Berthoud will once again be doing its best Lorax impression and celebrating the trees this weekend for the return of its annual Arbor Day Celebration.

The event will be hosted by Town Forester Paul Furnas. The event will include a proclamation from Mayor William Karspeck, a giveaway for a sapling spring snow crabapple tree and a ceremonial planting of a common hackberry tree in the park, according to a release from the town.

Winners of a student poster contest will be announced during the celebration on Saturday. Children in third through fifth grades were invited to design a poster that “reflects the importance of Arbor Day” and what makes trees special through the theme “Trees and Me.” The winning poster from each grade will be displayed at Town Hall and each winner will receive a blue spruce sapling to plant at home, according to the release.

“The Tree City USA designation has been around for 47 years, and Berthoud has earned it 41 of those years. That brings us so much pride,” said Town Administrator Chris Kirk in the release. “We have a highly qualified, passionate forestry team led by Paul, our town forester. His expertise, and the support he receives from our Tree Advisory Committee and the Town Board are invaluable in preserving our urban forest and open spaces so future generations can enjoy them.”

Communities can receive annual Tree City recognition by meeting four overarching standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day, according to the Tree City USA website.

The Arbor Day Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bein Park, 199 S. 10th St.