For the 38th annual Arbor Day tree planting, the City of Peoria in partnership with the South-West Kiwanis Club of Peoria and the Peoria Park District will plant a ceremonial tree at 10 am on Friday, April 28 at RiverFront Festival Park near the Gateway Building.
The annual tree-planting ceremony honors Peoria’s commitment to promoting urban forestry and expanding the City’s green footprint. This year’s tree species is a Green Vase Zelkova. Residents are welcome to witness the planting of the Green Vase Zelkova and celebrate all the benefits of community trees.
This year, Peoria has once again been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The prestigious designation of Tree City USA is the 30th time Peoria has earned the honor. The City joins the ranks of more than 3,400 communities across the United States that make the commitment to the four core standards of sound urban forestry management.
Every year, the City’s Forestry Division through the Department of Public Works plants between 50-100 trees. Last year, crews planted 90 trees throughout the City from late spring to early December. Species of trees ranged from American Dram Oaks to Shawnee Brave Bald Cypresses to Crimson Sunset Maples. Trees are planted in City-owned lots, rights-of-way, boulevard areas, and throughout Downtown.