Mayor Don Schonhardt joined students and staff from Alton Darby Elementary School at 2 p.m. April 26 to plant a tree in celebration of Arbor Day.

The planting of a tree at a Hilliard elementary school has been a tradition for the past 15 years. This year’s dogwood tree was donated by Premier Plant Solutions.

“An Arbor Day planting signifies more than the City’s commitment to urban forestry,” Mayor Schonhardt said. “Hilliard has been recognized for the past 37 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. An Arbor Day celebration is just one of the criteria the City fulfills to be presented with this nationally recognized honor.”

The event will included a welcome by Alton Darby Principal Samantha Chatman and remarks from Mayor Schonhardt. About 25 third graders from the school will then assist with the tree planting.

“The City of Hilliard takes pride in emphasizing our community forest as a vital element of the health of our community,” said Albert Iosue, Hilliard’s Director of Public Service. “Trees not only provide us with shade on sunny days, but also provide clean air, clean water, food, natural habitats for wildlife, and many renewable resources such as paper and wood for the building industry.”

Arbor Day has been an annual observance in the United States since 1872. The day celebrates the important roles trees play in our lives.