Lakewood celebrated Arbor Day and its 43rd year as a Tree City USA community with a youth-led tree planting event at O’Kane Park, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to urban forestry and environmental education.
The City of Lakewood, Colorado celebrated Arbor Day on May 1 at O’Kane Park, marking its 43rd year as a Tree City USA community. Local scout troops joined city officials, including Council Member Isabel Cruz and representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service, for a day of tree planting, environmental education, and community engagement. The event began with a proclamation recognizing the importance of trees, followed by remarks on environmental stewardship and a visit from Smokey Bear to inspire the young participants.
Scouts from Packs 437, 537, and 847 worked in teams alongside Lakewood forestry staff to plant deciduous trees throughout the park. As part of the hands-on activity, they learned proper planting techniques and safety practices, applied mulch, and even gave their newly planted trees names. Forestry Supervisor Eric Shardlow provided guidance on long-term tree care and emphasized the ecological, social, and health benefits of a diverse and thriving urban forest.
Lakewood’s Arbor Day event not only promoted environmental education but also reinforced the city’s commitment to sustainable urban forestry practices. In 2024, the city planted more than 500 trees and continues to meet the Arbor Day Foundation’s standards for Tree City USA status, including maintaining a tree board, having a tree ordinance, and investing in urban forestry. The celebration highlighted Lakewood’s ongoing efforts to enhance its green infrastructure and engage the next generation in environmental stewardship.
FULL STORY: Lakewood celebrates Arbor Day and 43 years of Tree City USA
Oak Survival in the Great Lakes: Adapting to a Changing World
Climate change is endangering oaks in the Great Lakes region by increasing their vulnerability to pests, diseases, and extreme weather, threatening their vital ecological role.
LA’s Tree Emergency Goes Beyond Vandalism
After a vandal destroyed dozens of downtown LA trees, Mayor Karen Bass vowed to replace them. Days later, she slashed the city’s tree budget.
How Madison’s Tree Planting Efforts Are Growing a Healthier Community
Madison’s annual tree planting initiative is enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and community livability by adding 1,400 carefully selected trees citywide, with strong community and institutional support for urban forestry.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.
‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.
Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions