Observance held in Frankfort
Contact: Lynn Brammer 502-564-4496
Frankfort, Ky. (April 7, 2008) -- Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed last Friday, April 4 as Arbor Day in Kentucky. The observance has been a tradition in Kentucky for more than 100 years. On this day, Kentuckians throughout the commonwealth were encouraged to hold or participate in an Arbor Day event in their community to provide an opportunity to show their appreciation for trees.
The state Arbor Day celebration was held in Frankfort at the Capitol Rotunda. Kentucky Division of Forestry Director Leah MacSwords opened the ceremony and spoke about the importance of environmental stewardship and Arbor Day in Kentucky. Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and Hank List, deputy secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, also spoke about the importance of planting trees as an act of good stewardship.
The planting of a yellowwood tree in Monument Park located on the Capitol grounds was planned as part of the ceremony; however, it was rescheduled due to weather.
“Mother Nature has forced us indoors, yet today’s rain is needed for all of our trees to grow,” MacSwords said.
She encouraged everyone to participate in Arbor Day, saying “that the environment is a priority for all our citizens and planting trees is an act of good stewardship for Kentucky’s forests, parks, wildlife and urban forests.”
In addition to the ceremony, the Division of Forestry recognized the cities of Munfordville and Frankfort as Tree City USAs. Munfordville is newly designated, and Frankfort is an 11-year veteran participant in the Tree City USA program. These cities have demonstrated a strong commitment to the management of their urban forests, MacSwords said. The Tree City USA program is a national program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters and is managed by state forestry agencies. The division also recognized the new Kentucky Big Tree Champion bur oak and bitternut hickory found on former Gov. Brereton and Libby Jones’ farm in Woodford County. The Franklin County Conservation District also presented awards for the Franklin County Big Tree Contest.
Many other Arbor Day events were planned throughout Kentucky. Schools, communities and organizations throughout the state held local ceremonies to highlight the many social, environmental and economic benefits that trees provide. For more information about the state ceremony or Arbor Day events, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 800-866-0555 or visit the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Web site at http://www.arborday.org/.
