Concord Sets its Arbor Day Celebration

Congratulations Concord residents—we are an official Tree City.

The City Council earlier this week announced that the city received the honor for the 30th consecutive year from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The council also proclaimed May 5 as Arbor Day in Concord.

“Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest.”

Concord also earned the organization's Growth Award, for demonstrating advanced levels of environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care.

Concord’s Arbor Day celebration begins on May 5 with scout troops helping City crews plant eight trees at Ellis Lake Park at 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Later that day, in conjunction with the opening of the Thursday Music and Market series in Todos Santos Plaza at 6:30 p.m., city officials will unveil the new holiday tree, recently planted in the plaza.

For the last few years as a cost-saving measure, the City has decorated an evergreen tree in the park during the holidays instead of spending money on a cut tree. When that plucky little tree was no longer able to support the weight of the lights and ornaments, a local business donated a live blue spruce as a replacement.

For more information about how to plant, prune and care for trees, visit the city’s website.