Arbor Day 2012 Festivities

CEDAR RAPIDS – Arbor Day 2012 festivities will be held at Taft Middle School on Friday, April 27, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The Cedar Rapids Forestry Program, Parks and Recreation Department, and Iowa DNR are pleased to partner with Taft to present this year's Cedar Rapids Arbor Day Program.  Opening ceremonies will commence shortly after 9:30 a.m., followed by activities in which Taft students will enjoy hands-on educational modules designed to promote understanding and appreciation for the value of our native trees and forest.

City Forestry staff will assist students in the planting of 3 trees on the school grounds.  Students will learn about the importance of proper planting techniques for the future health and success, as well as “Tree Identification”, and the “Importance of Trees”.  Two shade trees (Shingle oak and London Planetree) will be planted along with a smaller ornamental tree (Tartarian Maple).  Despite the status of oak trees as our State Tree, members of the oak family are in decline and Urban Tree populations are declining. 

Because 90% of Iowa forests are owned by private individuals, educating future generations about the value of our native woodlands is essential to promote a healthy balance of wise use and conservation.

The community is invited to attend the Arbor Day ceremony at Taft Elementary, which will conclude at 11:00 a.m.

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