Charlie Breitrose
Some of the tables at the Arbor Day Celebration on the grounds of the Commander’s Mansion.
The sun came out Thursday for the Town’s annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Commander’s Mansion in the Watertown Arsenal.
Attendees could visit tables of local organizations and businesses, or enjoy some of the activities for children.
The event drew a number of youngsters, said Michelle Cokonougher, who coordinated the event on behalf of Trees for Watertown.
“A whole class from Bright Horizons came over right at 11 (a.m.),” Cokonougher said.
Charlie Breitrose
Coordinator of the Arbor Day Celebration, Michelle Cokonougher (right) draws prizes in the raffle at the end of the day.
Arbor Day is an American holiday were people are encouraged to plant trees. In past years, the Tree Warden put together the Arbor Day event, but Watertown currently has no warden. When members of Trees for Watertown — a citizens advocacy group — heard no celebration would be held this year, they jumped in.
“(Organization President) Libby Shaw offered for Trees for Watertown to organize it, and she asked me if anyone would be willing to do it,” Cokonougher said. “I said, I’ll do it. I didn’t want it to become a tradition not to do it.”
There will also be a tree planting event at a local school, which will be run by David Jay of Trees for Watertown.
Charlie Breitrose
David Jay manned the Trees for Watertown table at the Arbor Day Celebration, and will visit a school for a tree planting.
During the event, Town Councilor Lisa Feltner read the proclamation from the Council declaring April 26, 2018, Arbor Day.
Other organizations who sponsored the event and made donations were: Vacation Garden School, Little Sprouts Day Care, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Watertown Faces Climate Change, Charles River Watershed Association, Anthony’s Florist, Watertown Conservation Commission, Butler & Sons Tree Service, Live Well Watertown & Watertown Farmers’ Market, Watertown Savings Bank, Stop & Shop on Pleasant Street, Miller’s Ale House, 7-Eleven on Main Street.
Charlie Breitrose
Town Councilor Lisa Feltner holds the Council Proclamation for Arbor Day.