OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Forestry Services is preparing for Oklahoma’s Arbor Week by recognizing communities, universities and utility companies that have demonstrated a commitment to planting and caring for trees in their areas.
“It’s so exciting to see communities, college campuses and utility companies in our state work hard to care for trees and improve their environments,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “We celebrate their commitment and hope they serve as an inspiration for others.”
A recognition luncheon and tree planting ceremony was hosted by Oklahoma Forestry Services and Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council on March 9 in Oklahoma City to recognize 23 communities that have earned “Tree Cities USA” designation, five utility companies that have “Tree Line USA” designations and nine colleges and university campuses across the state that have achieved “Tree Campus USA” designations.
“We congratulate each of these organizations,” said Mark Bays, Urban Forestry Coordinator, Oklahoma Forestry Services. “They have all committed the time, effort and funding required by the Arbor Day Foundation to earn these designations.”
Also recognized at the luncheon were the finalists of the third, fourth and fifth grade Arbor Week Poster Contest. Finalists included first place winner Hannah Joo, Terra Verde Discovery School in Norman; second place winner, Josey Inselman, Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School in Perkins and third place winner, Kelsey Fisher, Coleman Elementary in Coleman.
Oklahoma Forestry Services invites the public to join them in celebrating Oklahoma’s Arbor Week, March 19-25, by planting trees at home and participating in local events. For more information about Oklahoma’s Arbor Week visit www.forestry.ok.gov. For information about becoming a Tree Cities USA, Tree Line USA or Tree Campus USA, visit www.arborday.org.
—Oklahoma Forestry Services
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