By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The City of Darlington celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, Dec. 7, and city officials gathered for a small ceremony held outside the Raceway Inn, located at the corner of Washington Street and the Hwy 52 By-Pass.
“Today, we are here at the site of several newly planted Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle trees,” said Lisa Chalian-Rock, City of Darlington planning director. “Four were transplanted earlier this year from the Lamar Highway entrance, and three more added to beautify this gateway to the city. This drought-tolerant, low maintenance tree grows fast and will provide beautiful color to this entrance and extend the atmosphere of the neighboring Washington Square Apartments that are kept so neat.”
Rock said that when these trees bloom in spring, their cheerful pink color will coordinate with existing trees at the Washington Square Apartments.
Darlington has received the Tree City USA award for 21 consecutive years. Four requirements must be met to qualify for this award: the city must have a tree board or department, have a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per person living in the city on tree planting and maintenance, and have an Arbor Day proclamation and celebration.
Mayor Gloria Hines was unable to attend the ceremony, so Rock read the proclamation on her behalf.
“Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,” the proclamation stated. “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And trees, wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”
The proclamation included some history on this holiday, which began in 1872 when the state of Nebraska designated a special day dedicated to the planting of trees. More than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the original Arbor Day, and the holiday is now observed throughout the United States and in many countries around the world.
