Arbor Day 2017 will include two tree planting events this year in coordination with the Coastal Interpretive Center and the Ocean Shores Park Board and Foundation.

The first effort will be to plant 13 trees (western hemlock seedlings) at Ocean Shores Elementary school (one for each homeroom class) and give seedlings, complete with planting directions, to the 5th and 6th grade students to take home.

On Thursday afternoon, April 27 or Friday morning, April 28, volunteers will dig 13 holes with the help of the 5th and 6th graders. It will be a teaching moment for the students and will give them some insight into how to plant their own tree when they get it home.

On Friday afternoon, each class will plant their tree and help tag it with the year and name of the class. The intent is that the students will be able to monitor the growth of their tree over time.

Then at North Bay Park on Saturday, April 29, there will be approximately 20 trees available for planting in the park. These trees will be planted on the northwest side of the parking lot and along the west side (parallel to Albatross) between the entrance to the parking lot and the restroom.

Following the planting of seedlings, we will hear comments from dignitaries (Mayor Crystal Dingler, Michael Darling of the Parks boards, Nancy Eldridge of the Coastal Interpretive Center) followed by activities for children designed to teach them about trees and their importance to the environment and to society, in general.

Dingler last week read a proclamation that was passed unanimously by the City Council that noted Arbor Day is now celebrated throughout the world.

“I urge all citizenes to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands,” Dingler said. “Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”