Mayor Ed Murray has declared Saturday, October 18 as Arbor Day, and the Seattle Department of Transportation has scheduled a tree planting and celebration event in recognition of the day.

The mayor reminds us that Arbor Day is more than a day for planting trees. “It is a day of celebration to give tribute to trees for the many ways they contribute to our health and well-being, our quality of life, and their ability to unite the diversity of our urban neighborhoods for a common purpose.” The mayor encourages people throughout the entire city to become involved with the planting and nurturing of our urban forest.

Urban foresters from five departments of the City of Seattle will celebrate Arbor Day with local residents in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood. Everyone is invited to participate.

· What: Arbor Day celebration and tree planting

· Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

· Time: 9 a.m. to noon

· Where: Meet at the corner of South Fletcher Street and 57th Avenue South

· Who: Residents and City of Seattle urban foresters

Volunteers will help plant 13 street trees in selected planting strips. Gloves and tools will be provided, along with coffee and refreshments. The entire family can participate and meet the urban foresters from Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Office of Sustainability and Environment.

October is the best time for planting trees in Seattle. Trees planted in the fall will get plenty of moisture during the rainy months ahead to help them grow and thrive. The city’s goal is to cover 30 percent of Seattle with tree canopy by 2037. For the past 28 years, Seattle has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree City USA.” For more information about Seattle city trees, visit http://www.seattle.gov/trees/.