The City of Brandon will host Arbor Day celebrations Saturday on the east side of the Keystone Centre grounds.

The city in partnership with the Manitoba Urban Forest Council invites all members of the public to join in celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is to take place at the Keystone Centre around the treed area, south of the main 13th Street entrance.

Stephen Clark is a forestry and horticulture chargehand with the City of Brandon. “This is our second official Arbor Day event. We have some tree work going on, tree planting, crafts for kids, giveaways and also sessions talking about the importance of trees.”

“We supply everything, and people just need to show up with a positive attitude and ready to learn.”

Attendees will learn more about arboriculture, trees, and Brandon’s urban forest. The following will take place:

· Free tree seedlings, while supplies last

· Free wood chips, while supplies last

· Draws for two trees

· Educational booths and arboriculture equipment displays

· Children's activities, including face painting

· Tree planting demonstrations

· Tree climbing demonstrations

· Self-directed and guided tree tour

 

“We have our annual Dutch elm disease program we have to take care of. However, over the past five or six years the numbers have decreased and that could be caused by drought like conditions we had a few years, or it could be coinciding with our program in the city,” said Stephen Clark.