Published April 8 2016
Bellevue has approximately 1.4 million trees, which increase property values, offer economic benefits for businesses, reduce crime, increase traffic safety, provide health benefits, limit stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
At 11:30 a.m., the festival digs in with the ceremonial tree planting, which will feature a presentation of colors by VFW Post 2995, recognition of volunteers and community groups that support environmental efforts in the community and a prize drawing.
Following the ceremony, there will be free family activities, including eco-demonstrations, hosted by local environmental stewardship organizations. Participants of all ages are welcome. Children can get their own Arbor Day-Earth Day "passport" from a ranger, and journey through various eco-stations. After learning about each station, children can have their passport stamped; completed passports can be presented for a prize.
In addition to the ceremony and Family Festival activities, more than 300 volunteers will participate throughout the morning in park enhancement projects that include planting 2,500 trees and shrubs, resurfacing 750 feet of hiking trail and removing invasive species.
History of Arbor Day and Earth Day
Arbor Day started in 1872 in Nebraska when Julius Morton, a member of Nebraska's State Board of Agriculture, proposed a day to plant and appreciate trees. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded Earth Day to raise awareness of environmental issues.