National Arbor Day encourages us to celebrate and plant trees and the observance takes place each year on the last Friday in April.

The Hannibal Tree Board and Hannibal Parks & Recreation will observe Arbor Day at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, by planting a swamp white oak tree in Nipper Park at the Hannibal riverfront, with the help of about 82 fourth graders from area schools.

Trees provide vital protection for the Earth’s topsoil from erosion, oxygen, and homes for wildlife. They also are a renewable resource that provides a variety of materials for building, fuel, and office supplies. Trees beautify our environment, provide shade on a sunny day, and improve our quality of life. The day celebrates all these things and aims for American generations to enjoy all the benefits trees have to offer.