Woman stands in front of a banner reading "Tree City USA" and several plaques on the wall behind her.
Southgate city council member Aileen Okura shows off the city's banner and two decades of awards for supporting the city's urban trees and forest. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

At a short meeting Wednesday, Southgate city council heard plans for the city’s upcoming Arbor Day celebration on April 25.

The celebration, hosted by the city’s Park and Tree Board, also commemorates the city’s longtime designation as a “Tree City USA.”

Councilmember Aileen Okura pointed out a display in the city council chamber of the city’s Tree City awards.

“At the Arbor Day celebration, we will have a big stone commemorating our 20th year that the city has received the Tree City USA Award,” said Okura.

Tree City USA is a designation sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation to promote tree planting and maintenance across the country. The foundation is an international nonprofit dedicated to planting trees worldwide. Since 1972, the organization has supported planting more than half a billion trees in more than 60 countries.

The Tree City USA program began in 1976 to celebrate towns and cities committed to growing their urban canopy. The foundation partners with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Forests and has helped more than 3,600 communities across the county build out their urban forests.

Southgate council member Aileen Okura serves as council liaison to the city’s Park and Tree board. Here she points out a display of the city’s awards for its work promoting and supporting trees in the community. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

The Southgate Park and Tree Board, appointed by the mayor, works all year to promote and educate residents on the value of trees and gardening. Each year, they award “Green Thumb” awards to community members. Those interested in joining or learning more can reach out to Okura, council member liaison to the board.

The Arbor Day celebration on April 25 will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the city’s Community Center, 301 W. Walnut St. in Southgate. Students from Southgate School will attend, and a guest speaker (still to be determined) will be present.