Edmond's Arbor Week is in full swing, offering a roster of nature-centric events for the community, as the last full week of March brings residents together to celebrate and contribute to the local environment. Among the activities is the annual "Trees in Our Town" Arbor Day Art Contest, open to fifth graders with entries exhibited at the Edmond History Museum through April 26; the best works determined by the Edmond Visual Arts Commission will be honored at the City Council meeting on March 24, according to an announcement by the City of Edmond.
Additionally, the City of Edmond Urban Forestry Department is teaming with the Parks and Recreation Department on a series of community programs; they include a Sketch and Stroll nature journaling class on March 26 at the Margaret Annis Boys Centennial Arboretum and a Sunset Hike scheduled for March 27 along the Spring Creek Trail, both events requiring prior registration due to their limited capacity. With Arbor Week also featuring a volunteer tree planting session slated for March 29 at Hafer Park where attendees can physically manifest their commitment to the city's green spaces, the enthusiasm is palpable, and while they're at it, they can join in on other interactive activities like watercolor painting or exploring a pop-up library.
The week's events will also pay homage to former Mayor Charles D. Lamb—a respected advocate for urban forestry in Edmond—with a dedication ceremony for a nature preserve in his name on March 29, shortly before volunteers gather to plant 27 trees; participants are advised to RSVP and, if possible, bring their own tools for the planting endeavor, while lunch is provided to volunteers post-planting, as per the city's notice.
Engaging the younger generation, the Urban Forest Scavenger Hunt offers an educational journey through Edmond's foliage. Starting March 21, families can visit tree stations across public spaces and parks, collecting stamps or entries for prize drawings. The event runs until April 17, with weekly rewards and a chance to win one of two grand prizes. As stated by the City of Edmond, March is an ideal time for planting trees, as buds are dormant and roots are actively growing. Edmond's Urban Forestry Department encourages residents to apply the same enthusiasm to their own landscapes for various ecological benefits.
Sponsorship for these Arbor Week initiatives speaks to a broader community investment, with numerous city departments and local organizations, including Edmond Public Schools, Edmond Electric, and Citizens Bank of Edmond, backing the events, ensuring that Edmond's green legacy thrives and entrenches itself further in the hearts and soil of this community.
