Edmond plans Arbor Week events

Arbor Week celebrations take place the last full week in March with two events planned for promoting the planting and care of trees in Edmond.

Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, volunteers will spread mulch around trees in Westborough Park, 1905 Ryan Way.

Volunteers also will plant trees near the West Edmond Field sculpture in Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Road, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Thirty-three trees will be planted in the lawn area between the YMCA parking lot and Marilyn Williams Drive. Residents are invited to participate, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools.

The Edmond Arbor Day Art Contest for fifthgraders has taken place again this year, with the theme “Trees in Our Town”.

First through third place and an honorable mention from each of 20 participating public and private schools are being showcased in the “Arbor Day Art Show” at the Edmond Historical Museum, 431 S Boulevard, through April 30.

The Edmond Visual Arts Commission will choose the overall first, second and third place “Best in Show” from the 20 school winners to be recognized at the city council meeting.

The Urban Forestry Department encourages all Edmond residents to celebrate Oklahoma Arbor Week by planting trees at their homes for energy savings, beautification, erosion prevention, wildlife habitat and numerous other reasons.

The month of March is a great time to plant trees, while roots are growing but tree buds are still dormant.

For more information about planting trees or Arbor Week activities, go to http://edmondok. com/arborweek, http:// facebook.com/urbanforestry, or contact Leigh Martin at leigh.martin@ edmondok.com.