Since its first observance in 1885, Arbor Day has evolved into an event celebrated across the country. It is a day for people and communities to plant trees, to care for them and to learn about their value. Trees provide shade and oxygen, protection from the wind and give us such products as chewing gum, crayons, soap, shatterproof glass, suntan lotion, cork, dyes, life-saving drugs, writing paper, syrup, perfume, pencils, firewood, building materials and much more. Not to mention, trees are beautiful!
Allen celebrates Arbor Day on Saturday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bethany Lakes Park. Festivities will include demonstrations, educational exhibits, kids’ crafts and special appearances. Attendees will also be able to bring a tree sapling home for planting. Saplings, which are very immature trees, are ideal for planting, as compared to seedlings which are vulnerable to physical damage and disease. Supplies will be limited and are subject to availability.
A ribbon cutting is also planned for that morning at 9 a.m. at Dayspring Nature Preserve. Attendees can park at 902 Comanche Dr.
The City of Allen has earned the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA designation every year since 2002. The exciting events of Arbor Day 2012 will help the city to achieve this designation again in 2013. To learn more, visit allenparks.org.
Weather ContingenciesThere is a chance of rain on Saturday. In the event of heavy rain, the ribbon cutting scheduled for 9 a.m. at Dayspring Nature Preserve will be cancelled. In the event of rain, Arbor Day will be delayed up to one hour provided there is sufficient turnout and there is a likelihood of the weather passing through quickly. If the rain is heavy and continuous or if there is lighting accompanying the storm, the event will be postponed due to safety concerns.