The City of Idaho Falls invites community members to join in on an Arbor Day planting project on May 9 at 9:45 a.m. The purpose of the project is to bring awareness to the many efforts our city takes to protect our trees and woodlands.  

The project will begin at Memorial Drive and “D” Street, across from Scenic Falls Federal Credit Union.  

Approximately 60 3rd grade students, plus 20 advisors/teachers, from Ucon Elementary School graciously volunteered to assist the city’s Horticulture and Urban Forestry Division with the project. Additional adult volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Together, they will plant 45 trees, including autumn blaze maples and columnar oak, cherry and pear trees, along the River Walk on Memorial Drive, north to Vissing Circle. 

The city’s Horticulture and Urban Forestry Division manages more than 17,000 public trees in city parks and street rights-of-way. The team also maintains, grows and plants flowers and plants for more than 150 flower and landscape beds and 120 flower baskets in city parks and public spaces.

A special day for planting trees was proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture by J. Sterling Morton in 1872. The resulting national holiday – Arbor Day – was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.

The planting of trees has many benefits to a community including the reduction of wind and water erosion of topsoil, as well as heating and cooling costs. Trees also moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. They also provide a renewable resource for paper and wood products. Trees in our community increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community.

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon.

###