Hayden celebrates 21st year as Tree City USA
From left, students Sage Moyer and Jagger Frank, instructor Shannon Drappo and students June Ramirez and Tansy Wellsandt play bingo during the Arbor Day celebration Thursday, May 18 in Hayden.
Photo courtesy of the city of Hayden
For the 21st year, Hayden has been recognized as a Tree City USA.
The city celebrated May 18 during its 21st annual Arbor Day festival, with more than 500 students, parents and teachers from Hayden Meadows, Atlas and Dalton elementary schools, Northwest Expedition Academy and Christian Center School. Participants learned about trees, planting, wind, soil, water, landscapes, light, energy conservation, history and more.
Hayden Mayor Scott Forssell read an Arbor Day proclamation to the students. Garth Davis of the Idaho Community Forestry Program presented Hayden the Tree City USA award, recognizing communities that demonstrate increased levels of tree care and community engagement.
Following the presentation, Forssell, along with Malea Sampsel, Ed Peletski and James White from the Hayden Parks, Recreation and Community Forestry Commission, awarded prizes for the 2023 Arbor Day Sticker Contest. Grand-prize winner was Piper Gorham, a Hayden Meadows fifth grader. Dalton fifth graders Taylor Armstrong, second place, Elle Morris, third, and Sophia Memmott, honorable mention, rounded out the winning group.
The event was brought together by volunteers from Hayden Parks, Recreation, Community Forestry Commission, Hayden Veterans Commission, the Historic Commission and Hayden city staff.
Contact the Hayden Recreation and Community Events Department at 208-209-1080 for information about next year's event.