The City of Key West, the Trophia Butterfly Foundation, and the Monroe County Extension Service want you to come out and get your hands dirty!

On Saturday, April 29th the community is urged to join us for an Arbor Day tree planting event at Bayview Park from 9 a.m. until noon. Rakes and shovels will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring gloves, hand shovels, and a great attitude!

The Arbor Day tree planting will be held on the Jose Marti side of Bayview Park, between the Veterans’ Memorial and the Jose Marti Memorial.

Mayor Craig Cates, during the recent City Commission meeting, proclaimed April 29th Arbor Day in Key West, noting that the holiday is observed throughout the world to celebrate the role of trees in our lives while promoting tree planting and care.

The City of Key West Tree Commission was established in 1971 by state legislation recognizing that trees on public and private property are economic and aesthetic assets to the citizens of the city. The City of Key West has been a member of Tree City USA for five years.

The proclamation notes that the Tree Commission, the Urban Forester and the Community Services Department are responsible for the planting of trees along the sidewalks and parks of the City, and that the Trophia Butterfly Foundation promotes the planting of trees and shrubs to encourage the usage by birds and butterflies. And together they urge the community to join in the tree planting event at Bayview Park.