An elm tree was planted on Broadway this afternoon to celebrate Arbor Day.
Fourth-graders from Holy Family, St. John’s and Eugene Field schools helped with the tree-planting along with members of the Tree Board and staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation and Hannibal Parks & Recreation.
Each year in April, the National Arbor Day Foundation encourages everyone to celebrate and plant trees. The observance takes place each year on the last Friday in April. Arbor Day marks a day of hope and appreciation for trees and all that they bring to the environment for those who celebrate. Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Hannibal is celebrating its 26th year as a Tree City USA. Hannibal meets the following standards to receive annual Tree City recognition:
- Maintaining a tree board or department
- Having a community tree ordinance
- Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
- Celebrating Arbor Day
