City to Receive Tree City USA Re-Certification
PIERRE, S.D. –For the 34th year in a row, Pierre will be named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
The re-certification ceremony will be held at Pierre Riggs High School on Thursday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m. Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill will accept the certification on behalf of the City and then the Pierre Arbor Board will provide a brief tree planting demonstration. The event is open to the public.
“Thanks to the Riggs High School Class of 1970, this year, we’re planting three trees on the Riggs campus,” said Tom Farnsworth, City Parks and Recreation Director. “The class generously donated the trees in honor of Arbor Day.”
To be recognized as a Tree City USA, a community has to demonstrate sound urban forestry practices that include having an Arbor Board and tree-maintenance ordinances.
The recertification ceremony coincides with Pierre’s annual Go Green and Clean campaign. Now in its eighth year, the campaign is a civic pride effort designed to get the city spruced up for the summer season. Throughout the next month, more than 240 volunteers will work to clear litter, paint public facilities, clean up flower beds, and otherwise work to help make Pierre looks its best.
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