Annual tree planting set for April 13

The Bordentown City Shade Tree Committee is set to commemorate National Arbor Day with an annual tree planting on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 9 a.m. Arbor Day in Bordentown begins with a Proclamation address by Mayor James Lynch in front of Bordentown City Hall, 324 Farnsworth Ave. All are welcome to meet in front of City Hall at 9 a.m. to assist with the planting of 12 new street trees at various locations in the city. Shade Tree Committee chair Al Barker said residents can learn a bit about Bordentown tree history and the value of street tree planting for the environment and quality of life in a small city. Residents who would like to assist in planting the street trees should plan on getting dirty; wear work clothes, work boots or sneakers; and bring a shovel and garden gloves if available. In 2013, and for 14 consecutive years, Bordentown City has earned the prestigious Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA award for communities that effectively manage their public tree resources. It has been more than 135 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day and a National Holiday designated in America. Morton’s simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever as our city environment becomes more and more fragile. Shade Tree Committee meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Carslake Center on Crosswicks Street. For more information, call Al Barker at (609) 298-7459, or email vg302@comcast.net.