Cd’A decides to celebrate Arbor Month

After the coronavirus put a hold on all gatherings and in-person celebrations, many April 24 Arbor Day plans were scrapped.

The city of Coeur d’Alene has decided to give all residents a second chance to participate in the celebration virtually.

“Every year in April we hold an Arbor Day celebration, usually involving free seedlings, tree planting, art contests, and a free meal for attendees,” said Nick Goodwin, the city’s urban forester. “Unfortunately like most events, we have had to cancel this year’s celebration, to do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and in order to comply with the stay-home order.”

To help revive the missed tree celebration, Goodwin said the city is asking homeowners to send in pictures of a tree in their yards, as well as share a one-paragraph story why the tree is important to your family.

The city’s Urban Forestry Commitee will review the submissions and select their five favorites, based on the rarity or beauty of the trees and their accompanying stories. Those five winners will receive a free tree delivered to their homes this fall to plant on their property.

The celebration runs through May 31. Send submissions to ngoodwin@cdaid.org.