City to celebrate Arbor Day May 8

The City of Custer’s Arbor Day Celebration is part of a statewide effort to increase the awareness of community forestry.
The City of Custer will plant four trees at the Veteran’s Memorial (500 Washington Street) as part of the statewide celebration of Arbor Day, the largest organized celebration of community forestry in South Dakota. Everyone is invited to help with the celebration of Arbor Day. The platning will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, May 8.
Healthy trees in the community improve the environment. In addition to the visual impact of trees, tree canopies and root systems provide a natural filter to our water supply and reduce storm-water runoff, flooding and erosion.
Trees are good for business. Research shows that consumers respond positively to shopping environments with healthy urban forests.
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Active living is one solution to turn back this trend. Tree lawns contribute to perceptions of more walkable streets, which can promote more physical activity in children and youth.
These are just some of the many benefits trees provide for the community. Whether you live in an urban or rural setting trees are part of the community.
South Dakota is home to a wealth of natural resources. Trees are one such resource that can act as a symbol for stewardship. The simple act of tree planting exposes youth and adults to a hands-on sustainable development practice. Individuals witness a change being made environmentally and for the communities they live in.
As said by Lucy Larcon, “He who plants a tree plants hope.” Recognizing the importance and value of connecting to our natural resources, Custer City invites you to celebrate Arbor Day.
The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872.  J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer and journalist, championed the idea of a “tree planting” holiday in the Nebraska Territory.  In the 1800s, the plains had been cleared for building materials, fuel and farming.  It is estimated that Nebraskans planted over one million trees that first Arbor Day.  Custer City has been celebrating Arbor Day since 2011.
For more information, contact city hall at 673-4824.