Mayor proclaims Arbor Day and hosts Earth Day celebration

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

It was a beautiful day, Tuesday (4-22-25), for the City of Plymouth’s Arbor Day and Earth Day celebration in Centennial Park.

Mayor Robert Listenberger worked with the Plymouth Park Department and the Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District to host an event in Centennial Park.

Plymouth High School Student Council members spent some time in the park picking up and making it look nice. Lindsey Spaulding from the Soil and Water Conservation District spoke to the students. She is also a volunteer in the park for the Weed Wrangler event hosted by Friends of the Park.

Mayor Listenberger read an Arbor Day Proclamation detailing the establishment of Arbor Day in 1872 when Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. During the first observance, more than a million trees were planted in Nebraska.

Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. The planting of trees can reduce the erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water, lower heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. Mayor Listenberger said trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products.

Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

Mayor Listenberger then proclaimed April 22, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Plymouth. He said, “I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”

photos provided.