Arbor Day Tree Planting In Ames Cancelled

Press release from the City of Ames:

April 16, 2020

In response to COVID-19 guidelines limiting public gatherings, a public celebration of Arbor Day in Ames will not be held this year. In past years, the Ames Parks and Recreation Department and Ames Trees Forever have celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony.

“Although a formal, public ceremony is not planned for this year, six trees will be planted in Country Gables Park this month in recognition of Arbor Day,” said Paul Tauke, City Forester. The trees have been selected, planting locations identified, and Country Landscapes will plant them.

A public tree planting ceremony in collaboration with Ames Trees Forever is tentatively planned for this fall to plant one additional tree in Country Gables Park. This ceremony will include a memorial to the late Steve Wilson, who worked as the “Energy Guy” with Ames Electric Services.

The tree voucher program scheduled for May 2 also has been cancelled. The program, sponsored by the Public Works Department and Ames Trees Forever, provided a $75 tree voucher to participants who attended a brief program about proper tree selection, planting, and care. The voucher program may be rescheduled in the fall.

For residents who are interested in planting trees this spring, the City’s Smart Watershed Program is providing a new Native Tree Rebate. Purchase and plant a native tree and get reimbursed up to $75. Go to www.cityofames.org/smartwatersheds and click on the “Native Tree Rebate Form” link for more information.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.