Ash Grove celebrates 20th year as Tree City with Arbor Day celebration

The city of Ash Grove celebrated its 20th year of Tree City USA status and the holiday of Arbor Day by planting a new tree in the city’s park. Attendees, public officials, and members of the city’s tree board gathered in the park to commemorate the milestone and learn about the benefit of the trees in their community and the world as a whole. Justin Holmes, a representative of the Missouri Department of Conservation, was present to inform and congratulate the nearly 20 people in attendance.

“I just wanted to say congratulations to the mayor and to everybody here on being a Tree City and celebrating Arbor Day,” said Holmes.

Mayor of Ash Grove Caleb Smith also spoke at the ceremony, issuing a proclamation dedicating April 23 as Arbor Day in the city.

“I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect their trees and woodlands,” said Smith.

The tree was planted by Holmes and Smith with help from Chris Boyd, director of public works. The tree in question, an Eastern Redbud, was fairly large, boasting a 30-gallon base according to Holmes.

The Ash Grove Tree Board, which helps organize the event and maintains Ash Grove’s status as a Tree City, was also present and happy to see the tree go into the ground.

“It’s very rewarding and satisfying to me because I love nature,” said Susan Crawford, chairman of Ash Grove’s tree board. “I want to help protect [nature] and keep our part in good shape."

After the celebration, attendees were encouraged to take home a free tree from a collection of 10 made available by Holmes. Local FFA students also did their part to ring in Arbor Day, taking time the morning before the event to spread mulch around the existing trees in the park.