Ladue soon to be a Tree City!
In the Spring of 2018, the Conservation Committee of the Ladue Garden Club approached the City of Ladue regarding becoming a Tree City USA. The Tree City program is a way to create “a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program.” It is a commitment to keeping our community green.
Laure Hulverson presented the proposal to City Council members and explained the process for designation. The standards and requirements for membership are:
- create a Tree Board or Department with a certified arborist on staff
- pass a Tree Care ordinance
- budget an expenditure of $2 per capita on a community forestry program
- hold an annual Arbor Day Celebration
At the April 18, 2018 City meeting, the City Council of Ladue passed an ordinance to create the Beautification, Open Space, and Tree Advisory (BOSTA) Committee, which includes responsibility for a Tree Board. Thus, the City of Ladue met all the requirements and standards and the Tree City designation was granted. Visit Tree City USA for more information.
Arbor Day 2019
The First Annual Arbor Day celebration was held on April 6th at City Hall to fulfill a Tree City requirement. Mayor Nancy Spewak kicked off the event by reading a Proclamation stating that Arbor Day will be celebrated every April 5th and introducing the BOSTA board members. Laure Hullverson spoke about Mary Stacey and the Memorial Tree Project and LGC’s relationship with the community.
Activities included a poster contest for Reed, Conway and Spoede third grade classes, a walk through the Native Garden, the planting of a beautiful Dogwood tree in the Native Garden, and distribution of whips from an assortment of trees. It was a beautiful day and enjoyed by many.
