OROVILLE – This yearOroville will observe Arbor Day with a celebration at Centennial Park onThursday, April 29 beginning at 3:30 p.m.

This is the second yearOroville has been recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a TreeCity USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. The Tree City USAprogram is sponsored by the foundation in cooperation with the NationalAssociation of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service. Mayor Chuck Spiethhas signed a proclamation making the last Thursday in April Arbor Day.

Two new flagpoles havebeen erected at Centennial Park, which is located on the east side of MainStreet between the Peerless Restaurant and Border Realty. Local American LegionPost #84 installed the flagpoles. During the celebration, Boy Scout Troop #26and Cub Scout Pack #23, with scoutmasters Walt and Vicki Hart, will raise theAmerican flag. Boy Scout Troop #27, with Dr. Thrasher as scoutmaster, will thenraise the official Tree City Flag. There will be music and refreshments. Freetree seedlings, with planting instructions, will also be available.

In his proclamation, MayorSpieth encouraged all citizens to attend this year’s Arbor Day Celebration.

 ”Whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy andspiritual renewal… I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart andpromote the well-being of this and future generations,” said Spieth in hisoriginal proclamation back in 2008.

In order to receive theTree City USA community designation, Oroville had to meet four standards – havea tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive communityforestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation, according to anews release from the Arbor Day Foundation.

“We commend Oroville’selected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for itsurban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor DayFoundation.

“Trees provide numerousenvironmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each dayand we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a toppriority,” said Rosenow.

According to thefoundation, communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have takentime to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

Promote healthier communities by filtering the air webreathe by removing dust and other particles.

Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vitalhabitat for wildlife.

Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused bypavement and buildings.

Increase property values and reduce energy use and addbeauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

Moreinformation about Tree City USA can be found at Arbor Day Foundation.