Ada earns continued Tree City USA designation

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Last week the Village of Ada Tree Commission sent third graders home with three-year-old river birch seedlings. The bagged, slime covered infant trees will grow fairly rapidly and have the potential to become 40+ foot trees with papery bark and yellow fall color.

The students participated in a program led by Jennifer Donley of the Ada Tree Commission, which gave them the opportunity to share their knowledge and interest in trees. At the same time, the children learned about how to plant and care for their river birch seedlings.

A drawing competition awarded prizes of tree books to three student artists selected by Ada’s mayor, Dave Retterer. Village Administrator Jamie Hall read the mayor's Arbor Day proclamaction to the students.

ARBOR DAY TREE PHOTOS SOUGHT

The tree commission is seeking followup photos from students who have planted trees provided at Arbor Day celebrations. Send photos of students with their trees to Michele Brunk at [email protected].

TREE CITY USA DESIGNATION

This was the Village’s 43rd annual Arbor Day celebration and an important part of efforts that have repeatedly earned Ada the designation of Tree City USA.

Earlier in April, the Village of Ada was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 13th time at a Northwest Ohio awards ceremony hosted by the City of Defiance and the Defiance Tree Commission.

To achieve Tree City USA designation and honors, a community must have:

• A Tree Ordinance
• An active Tree Commission or forestry department
• A comprehensive urban forestry program supported by a minimum of two dollars per capita
• An annual Arbor Day proclamation and public observance

For additional information about the Tree City USA program or the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org/