CITY OF BOCA RATON CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY WITH TREE PLANTING

BOCA RATON, FLA – Sept. 27, 2016- The City of Boca Raton will be hosting its 37th annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration at University Woodlands Park located at 2501 St. Andrews Boulevard on Monday, October 3rd at 10 a.m. All citizens are invited to attend this free event which recognizes and celebrates the importance of trees to our quality of life.

According to Dawn Sinka, the City’s Horticulturalist/Arborist, 24 slash pines will be planted on the grounds of University Woodlands Park. “These species of trees are chosen based upon what is found at the park naturally, how much space is available for the mature canopy, and the end result of how we envision the park in the future.” University Woodlands Park was the recipient of the Arbor Day plantings in 2015 which were also slash pines. Just as in 2015, the pines are being planted to restore an area that was invaded by invasive exotic vegetation.

The children of the City’s GAP Camp Program will be participating in the festivities and assisting in the planting of the new pine trees at the park. “Palm Beach County Schools are not in session on Monday, October 3rd, and the City’s Gap Camp is open, so this Arbor Day Celebration is a great educational, hands on field trip for our children,” said Jessica Godoy, Youth Program Director. “They get to tag the trees they plant and can come back to check on their progress as they grow.”
Boca Raton was selected as a Tree City in 2016 for the 36th consecutive year; and Mayor Susan Haynie will be accepting the Tree City USA award during the event. Mark Torok, who represents the Everglades District for the Florida Forest Service, will be presenting the award on behalf of the Forest Service and the National Arbor Day Association.

In order to qualify for a Tree City Designation, the City must have a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, have a community forestry program with a minimum annual budget, and have an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation, explained Nora Fosman, the City’s Senior Environmental officer.

Mayor Susan Haynie presented the Arbor Day proclamation at the September 26th City Council Workshop.

Home to 93,000 residents, Boca Raton is a true full service city offering five miles of beautiful beaches, cultural offerings, parks and recreational amenities, world class shopping and dining, top rated schools and universities and a thriving business community. Located in the southernmost region of the Palm Beaches, Boca Raton is consistently ranked as one of America’s Best Cities in which to live, learn, work and play.

For additional information about the Arbor Day celebrations, please contact Nora Fosman at 561-393-7960. For information about the City of Boca Raton’s camps, call 561-393-7888. www.myboca.us