Arbor Day Tree Planting Is Wednesday In Yakima (photos)

Trees make the world go around...besides the beauty they bring to Yakima...nothing beats the cool shade of a tree on a hot summer Yakima day. The Yakima Area Arboretum is hosting two Arbor Day tree planting celebrations in honor of Washington State's Arbor Day on Wednesday.

Washington recognizes Arbor Day on the second Wednesday in April and our national Arbor Day on the last Friday in April but I like the fact that people are stepping up and planting more trees locally.

The first celebration is hosted by Yakima's Target  Store, with assistance from the Yakima Area Arboretum.

Starting at 9am on Wednesday, Target volunteers will arrive at Martin Luther King JR. Elementary school in Union Gap  to prepare the site for the planting of 10 new red bud trees.  Target volunteers will dig the holes and then guide the students in proper planting techniques. A number of classes will be involved.  Arboretum staff will be on hand to answer questions...

The second celebration will take place at several Habitat for Humanity homes located on South 7th Street in Yakima.

Habitat for Humanity homeowners will plant trees in their yards between 5 and 6pm on Wednesday. Homeowners will be planting the 'Autumn Brilliance' Service Berry. The first planting will start at the home of Victor Cavich at 904 South 7th Street before moving on to other yards in the neighborhood.

If you want more information on how you can become involved in Yakima's Arbor Day, contact Jheri Ketcham with the Yakima Arboretum  at 248-7337.