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State’s Arbor Month Celebration in Duluth on Wednesday, May 15

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to attend the state’s Arbor Month Celebration in Duluth on May 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Chester Bowl Recreation Center in Chester Park.

This year, Minnesota’s Arbor Month theme is “Plant Trees for a Brighter Minnesota.” Minnesotans are encouraged to replace trees lost during the past year’s floods, tornadoes, blowdowns and snowstorms.

The DNR has partnered with the city of Duluth to celebrate Arbor Month and encourage residents in the greater Duluth area to join in the recovery effort. Chester Park lost many trees during the 2012 floods and needs restoration. Speakers include DNR Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore, State Forester Forrest Boe and Duluth Mayor Don Ness. The event on May 15 starts at 12:30 p.m., with the actual ceremony and tree planting scheduled for 1 p.m.

Students from Lester Park and Lakewood school forests will help with planting seedlings, and there will be archery lessons and musical performances by Matt Wahl. An information tent hosted by DNR foresters, city of Duluth staff and other agencies will provide participants with information on tree planting, care and maintenance.

This event is free and registration is not required.

“Eventually trees planted at this celebration will help minimize flooding impacts by slowing down raindrops, intercepting rain water and keeping the soil in place,” said Jennifer Teegarden, DNR forestry outreach specialist. “Arbor Month is a great time to plant trees and go outside to explore nature.”

Visit the DNR’s Arbor Month Web page at www.mdnr.gov/arbormonth/celebrations.html for more information about the state’s Arbor Month celebration in Duluth or to find a local celebration.

Media contacts: Jennifer Teegarden, forestry outreach specialist, 651-259-5285, Jennifer.teegarden@state.mn.us; Ken Holman, community forestry coordinator, 651-259-5269, ken.holman@state.mn.us.

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