Planting the future - #lakewoodnews

Lakewood celebrated Arbor Day on May 5, by having the next generation plant a new generation of trees.

Mayor Adam Paul was joined at Lasley Park by fourth grade students from Lasley Elementary School and forestry service employees from both Lakewood and the state.

For the 34th year Lakewood was designated a Tree City USA by the State Forest Service, and Paul read a proclamation in celebration of Arbor Day.

The students were given tree seedlings to take home and plant themselves, and they helped forestry staff plant 10 trees in the park.

"Trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal," Paul told the students. "We're all here to honor trees today, and you're a big part of it."

Here are some of the things we heard at the event:

1. Allen Gallamore, district forester with the Colorado State Forest Service: "A city has to do four things every year to be named a Tree City: There has to be an Arbor Day event, an organized forestry board or program, $2 per resident must be spent on tree maintenance and the city must have an official ordinance on how to take care of trees. There are only 95 tree cities in the state.

This is a great opportunity to work with students and the public."

2. John Dzialo, Lakewood forestry supervisor: "Trees are great because of all the things they bring to the table --; increased oxygen, cut down on pollution, provide shade and things for the kids to climb.

It's fun to teach kids about this while they're young, and planting these trees today is great. It's something they can carry all their lives and come back to this park and say 'I planted that.'"

3. Shakti, Ward 3 councilwoman: "I'm excited to be here, and excited to add beauty to the park we all share."

4. Adam Paul, Lakewood mayor: "We value these kids and all they do. One day they're going to be taking care of all these trees."

5. David Duran, fourth grade student: "My favorite part of today is helping the environment and getting to use my hands."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Planting-the-future,213412