Anaconda, Mont. – Montana’s statewide Arbor Day Celebration is planned for May 11, 2018, in Anaconda, where DNRC Director John Tubbs will proclaim Arbor Day on behalf of Governor Steve Bullock and help community members plant a tree. The celebration will occur at Kennedy Commons at 10:30 am, with educational booths and activities. The entire community is encouraged to attend.

Anaconda was selected by the Governor’s Office to host Montana’s official Arbor Day celebration after being named Tree City of the Year. Competition for the Tree City title is high among many Montana communities that apply for the honor each year. Anaconda is recognized for its urban forestry work, which includes beautification efforts and proactive tree planting throughout the community. The town will plant 35 trees this year in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the historic “Stack,” the largest free-standing masonry structure in the nation.

“Anaconda-Deer Lodge has a fantastic group of local people who are passionate about trees” said Jamie Kirby, DNRC Urban Forestry Program Manager. “The DNRC is very excited to be part of this effort.”

The public is invited to attend the event which will include presentation of the Tree City USA award, comments from local and state partners, a student performance, booths, and a ceremonial tree planting. Those who attend will also receive a free tree seedling. The City-County has been a certified Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 24 years.

About Arbor Day

Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 as a tree planting holiday in Nebraska. In the years following, Morton's idea spread beyond Nebraska and today all 50 states and countries throughout the world celebrate Arbor Day. Montana recognizes its Arbor Day as the last Friday in April. For more information about Arbor Day visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s website at www.arborday.org. 

About Montana Urban Forestry

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Urban Forestry Program is supported by a grant from the US Forest Service. The program aims to spread awareness about the importance of trees within communities and provides financial, educational, and technical assistance for urban forestry efforts in Montana. Learn more about urban forestry in Montana at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry/forestry-assistance/urban-and-community-forestry.