ESCANABA — The city of Escanaba will celebrate National Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, at 1 p.m. near the tennis courts in Ludington Park. Arbor Day is an acknowledgment of the importance of trees and plants in our daily lives. Ultimately, the goal is to raise awareness of the many benefits trees provide.

For the 19th year, Escanaba has received the “Tree City USA” certification. Requirements for this designation are: a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; a tree board or forestry department to develop and administer a comprehensive community tree management program; a community tree ordinance; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Also, for the ninth year in a row, the American Transmission Company has donated to the annual Arbor Day Celebration.

The Escanaba Public Works Department will be planting these trees with the help of area Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. The public is encouraged to attend the commemorative tree planting ceremony.