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Source: City of Broken Arrow
In appreciation of the benefits trees provide residents and future generations, Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee has designated March 20-25, 2023, as Arbor Week.
Arbor Week has been an annual recognition in Oklahoma since 1982. To demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining an urban forest, the City Council and area veterans' organizations will plant five trees—three Redbud Trees and two Dogwood Trees at the Broken Arrow Veterans Center, 1117 S. Main St. at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.
Broken Arrow is a 23-year Tree City USA member and was recently recognized by the Oklahoma Forestry Service and the Oklahoma Community Forest Council for achieving National Certification from the Arbor Day Foundation. Broken Arrow was among 38 communities, campuses, and utility companies honored for accomplishing specific criteria for planting and caring for trees, woodlands, and community forests in their communities and on campuses.
The criteria include the following:
- Maintaining a tree board.
- Having a community tree ordinance.
- Spending at least $2 per capita on community forestry activities
- Celebrating Arbor Week
The Tree City USA program exists to recognize best practices in public and private utility arboriculture by demonstrating how trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of the community.
Residents who want to leave a legacy beyond Arbor Week can participate in the City's Commemorative Tree Program. It's a way for family, friends, companies, churches, and civic organizations to donate trees for planting in one of the City's parks. Donors may request the park and type of tree, such as shade, flowering, or evergreen.
The City's Parks Department will plant and maintain the tree for three years. A donor's plaque will be next to the tree, and the donor will receive location information. A commemorative tree donation is $225. Additional trees ordered at the same time cost $200 each. Go to Commemorative Tree for more information.
Mayor Wimpee's Arbor Week proclamation encourages all citizens to observe Arbor Week 2023 by planting an Oklahoma-proven tree to benefit all citizens and future generations.
