Celebrate the magnificent trees of Elizabeth Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Arbor Day, Saturday, Sept. 24.
This free event includes guided tree walks at 10:30 a.m. around Elizabeth Park, hosted by local arborist John Wesselink and James Luce, the City’s arborist. At noon, Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike will read a proclamation announcing Sept. 24th, 2011 as Arbor Day. Other activities include opportunities to build a nesting box, try your hand at knots, “Ask an Arborist” tree disease questions and more. New tree guides to local parks also will be available.
New to this year’s celebration is the Kid’s Tree Climb, planned from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Kids will get to climb a selected tree in the park under the guidance of professional arborists and climbers. Helmets, harnesses and ropes will be provided. Participants’ parents must be present to sign a liability release form. Children who wish to participate should wear long pants – bark can be pretty rough! – and are invited to bring their own bicycle helmets to wear.
Annual Arbor Day events are sponsored Bellingham Parks & Recreation and Tree Keepers. For information, contact Bellingham Parks and Recreation.