Sonoma's Arbor Day Celebrates Springtime, Nature

In the middle of a busy Friday afternoon Sonoma paused to gather in the Plaza to celebrate Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting.

The holiday couldn't have come at a better time: right on the heels of Sonoma City Council's announcement that the City will absorb the Montini Preserve, and just a month after the announcement that Sonoma had been named a "Distinctive Destination" National Trust for Historic Preservation. (Reminder, until March 15!)

In honor of the holiday, a ceremonial tree was planted in the Plaza, and dedicated to John Donnelly for his hard work maintaining the Sonoma Overlook Trail. But, he didn't take all the credit.

"Volunteers in Sonoma are like a Redwood tree - they really can't stand up on their own, they need roots," said Donnelly.

And, in a speach by City Councilman Ken Brown, the Montini Preserve aquisition will create even more opportunities for Sonomans to interact with nature.

"Now every child in Sonoma will have the opportunity to get out into open space," said Brown.