For Immediate Release: February 22, 2008
Contact: Communications Specialist
Lisa Wilson, 303-538-7282
Thornton City Forester
Lynn Lathrop, 303-255-7875

Thornton to celebrate Arbor Day with tree planting

Volunteers needed to help with this annual planting project

THORNTON, CO…Since 1874, cities across America have celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees. For many years, Thornton has taken part in this effort to ‘branch out,’ and 2008 will be no exception. “In today’s world, trees can help increase the value of homes,” says Thornton City Forester Lynn Lathrop. “Trees help to offset cooling costs in the summer, provide shade and food for wildlife, and prevent runoff.” Planting new trees across Thornton is also part of the City’s continued effort to make Thornton more environmentally friendly. According to the Web site www.coloradotrees.org “trees within our urban forest improve our air, protect our water, save energy, and improve economic sustainability.”

In Colorado, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in April, and this year, the City of Thornton will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 19, with a tree planting at Grange Creek Park. Twenty-eight trees will be planted in the park and along East 110th Avenue at the park’s northern boundary. The planting starts at 8:30 a.m., and runs until 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be provided.

The City is interested in recruiting volunteers to help with this planting project. If you or your group is interested, please call City Forester Lynn Lathrop at 303-255-7875 or e-mail  him at lynn.lathrop@cityofthornton.net.

 

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