Students from Central Elementary School participated in the Arbor Day Celebration for the City of Washington on Friday, April 24, 2026. Over 75 students from the fourth-grade classes attended the event held on the lawn outside the school building. Mayor Lilija Stevens provided an Arbor Day Declaration to the Washington Tree Board and the students learned about the benefits of trees in the community from Professor Randey Wall, who is serving as Washington Tree Board Chairman.
Central School District will plant a Red Maple in front of the school building in honor of Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a recognized civic holiday in the United States dedicated to planting, nurturing and celebrating trees.
Trees are an important asset for communities. They moderate climate change through absorption of CO2, provide cooling for urban environments, support wildlife habitat and assist in maintaining a diverse ecosystem, and moderate stormwater runoff. In addition, trees will increase the value of homes and businesses.
The Arbor Day Foundation also advocates tree planting because “trees continue to connect communities, cultures and generations. Neighborhood trees reduce stress, improve health and development in children and encourage physical activity. “
The Washington Tree Board is dedicated to supporting a healthy community-wide tree canopy that fosters economic advantages as well as an increase in civic pride. The City of Washington is a recognized Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
