The 20th Annual Arbor Day Ceremony in Weslaco

The City of Weslaco and the Parks & Recreation Department planted a tree for the 20^th Annual Arbor Day Ceremony held on Thursday, February 18 at Harlon Block City Park on 18^th Street.

 Memorial Elementary School Students recited the pledge of allegiance and sang a song about planting trees. Special guests included Salvador Alemany, Texas Forest Service; Mayor Buddy De La Rosa; Martin Hagne, Valley Nature Center; Marcy Garcia, Estero Llano State Park; and Cindy Willson, Frontera Audubon.

Mayor De La Rosa addressed the students expressing the need for trees for the cycle of life.  “Trees make our community beautiful and it is important to keep planting trees as they feed wildlife and they feed people and the cycle keeps going,” he said.  The Mayor impressed upon the leaders, teachers and parents at the event how Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to educate our youth on the impact trees have in the community.  “These children are our future and we need them to grow up knowing why and how trees impact Weslaco,” he added.

The students were able to participate in the planting of the cottonwood tree, each having an opportunity to use a shovel to put the soil around the tree. The Arbor Day ceremony was sponsored by Woodcrafters and H.E.B.   It was a cool and cloudy morning at the park, but the students were not deterred.  They enjoyed being part of the tree planting celebration.

“By planting more trees, you have brought in birds that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Salvador Alemany, Texas Forest Service. “People all over the country visit Weslaco to see these birds and planting trees help the wildlife and encourage more visitors.”

Pete Garcia, Director of Parks and Recreation thanked everyone for their cooperation. “We have planted at least 1,800 trees, including the palms trees around the city, we plant approximately 100 trees per year,” said Garcia. “I hope we continue to celebrate Arbor Day for many years to come.”

If you are interested in participating in next year’s ceremony contact the Parks & Recreation Department of Weslaco at (956) 973-3172.