CLINTON — The Clinton Tree Commission has announced plans for the City’ 17th annual Arbor Day Celebration at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at Rotary Park ( Cedar Side, corner of S. Quincy & Aspin Dr,, 900 Block of South Quincy)  The rain location will be Douglas School.

To begin the celebration, fifth grade Arbor Day poster contest winners will be presented at the Clinton City Council meeting on April 17.  At that time, Mayor Roger Cyrulik will sign a proclamation declaring April 29 Arbor Day in the City of Clinton.

Cyrulik, fifth grade Arbor Day poster contest winners, third and fourth grade student delegates and members of the Clinton Tree Commission will planting trees.  Exelon will also participate in the activities. The Clinton Boy Scouts will perform a flag ceremony. Arbor Day poster contest winners will receive prizes provided by Grimsley’s Flowers.

Clinton Tree Commission sponsors the City’s Arbor Day events.  The Commission continues to plant and maintain the city’s trees.  The Commission has earned the annual “Tree City USA” designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the past seventeen years, earning growth awards for work in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015and 2016.  

Other Tree Commission accomplishments have included creation of an Urban Forestry Management Plan, development of an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, establishment of the Clinton City Arboretum and completion of a City Tree Inventory.

Clinton Tree Commission members include John Baker, chairman, Dr. Harold Allen, Mary Mitchell-Stites, Diane Holl and John Wise.

For additional information, contact John Baker at (217) 935-2197 or at jpbaker13@yahoo.com.