The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Pierre as a Tree City USA for the 40th time. To be recognized as a Tree City USA, a community must demonstrate sound urban forestry practices that include having an Arbor Board and tree-maintenance ordinances.
“Pierre’s commitment to maintaining a healthy tree population has been going strong for four decades,” said Pierre Mayor Steve Harding. “There’s a surprising amount of policy work and manual labor required to maintain Tree City USA status. I want to thank the Parks Department and the Arbor Board for their continued work to keep our community beautiful and our environment healthy.”
In a salute to Arbor Day, Pierre’s Arbor Board is planning two efforts –a tree planting and a tree distribution.
Mayor Steve Harding will lead the planting of a Greenspire Linden at the Boys and Girls Club at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28. Mayor Harding will also read an Arbor Day proclamation at that time. The event is open to the public.
Additionally, this week, the Arbor Board in partnership with the Izaak Walton League and the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will distribute more than 250 Rocky Mountain Juniper saplings to second graders at Buchanan, Jefferson, Kennedy, Stanley County and St. Joseph’s Schools.
“This partnership makes it possible to distribute trees throughout the community for placement in yards and other private property,” said Bryan Tipton, Pierre Parks and Recreation Director. “I’m hopeful the students will plant the trees in a place where they can be enjoyed for many years.”
The City’s Arbor Board is a volunteer group appointed by the Mayor to advise on and lead tree care efforts in the City of Pierre. Current members are John Hartland, John Henderson, Cole Irwin, Rollie Isaacson, Adam Kulesa, and Amanda Martin.