Auburn presents its Arbor Day celebration at 11 a.m. April 24 at Game Farm Park, 3030 R St. SE.

City officials will plant a Japanese Larch tree, donated by the Auburn Garden Club. City leaders, along with volunteers from the Auburn Garden Club, Auburn Tree Board, Auburn Park Board, representatives from the state Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Community Forestry Council will attend as part of the commemoration. The public is invited.

The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Auburn as a Tree City USA. Those communities are recognized for effectively managing the urban forest and meet four standards: 1, establish a tree governing body; 2, maintain a comprehensive community forestry program that spends at least $2 per capita on the urban forest; 3, maintain a tree care ordinance; and 4, hold an annual celebration related to Arbor Day.

A member of the Statewide Washington Community Forestry Council will be on hand during the celebration to acknowledge Auburn’s designation as a Tree City USA.

Mayor Pete Lewis will proclaim April 24, 2013 as Arbor Day in the City.

As part of Auburn’s Tree City USA designation, the City of Auburn Planning Department manages community grants that encourage citizens to apply for tree plantings in residential and commercial neighborhoods. In exchange for financial assistance, groups must commit to plant, water and maintain the trees.

For additional information about the tree grants, call the City of Auburn Planning Department at 253-931-3090.

For more information about Arbor Day or planting trees, call 253-931-3043.