Arboretum opening set for Milton Arbor Day

The planting of a survivor tree from the Oklahoma City bombing, and the official opening of the new Mark Law Arboretum, are planned in Milton as part of the city’s Arbor Day observation.

The traditional tree planting is set for 10 a.m. Friday at Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road. The survivor tree is from a 90-year-old American elm that survived the Oklahoma City terrorist bombing of April 19, 1995.

The city will also honor longtime city arborist Mark Law, who officials said led efforts to help the city secure its first “Tree City USA” designation 11 years ago.

“He worked tirelessly each year to ensure that we retained this honor,” said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. “His work to conserve treesand beautify our city will benefit future generations of Milton residents.”

Law had worked for the city since shortly after its incorporation in December 2006, officials said. He has spent the last year battling cancer and recently retired.