Sandpoint commission to plant ginkgo, give away 100 seedlings at May 31 Arbor Day event

The Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission will host an Arbor Day event Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at Farm and Park (Third Avenue and Main Street), with a formal tree-planting ceremony at 10 a.m. in the newly redeveloped downtown parking lot, City staff liaison Eric Bush said.

The event is intended as an outreach and education effort and will include a table at the Sandpoint Farmers Market, tree-care resources, a planting demonstration and 100 free large seedlings donated by the Spokane Conservation District, Bush said. “We received a hundred free large seedlings, from Spokane Conservation District,” he said.

The commission plans to plant a ginkgo purchased from a local nursery for the downtown parking-lot ceremony. “I purchased the gingko tree yesterday, from a local nursery,” Bush said; he told commissioners the tree is “about 6 feet tall” and currently in a 5-gallon container. Parks staff will prepare the planting site in advance: Bush said city parks crew will dig the hole next week and will water and monitor the new planting through the summer.

Why it matters: commissioners said the event is both a public-education opportunity and a way to raise awareness of the city’s tree permit process and tree-care best practices. The commission invited partner organizations including Connexus Land Trust, Spokane Conservation District and the Idaho Department of Lands. Kyle Schreiber, city council liaison, confirmed the city will provide a portable PA system at the parking lot for the planting demonstration.

Event logistics and volunteer roles: the commission will set up a booth at the Farmers Market and display signage directing attendees to the 10 a.m. planting. Bush said he will bring stakes and ties, a water bag and tools; he asked volunteers to help with staking and the planting demonstration. Commissioner Paige Belfry volunteered to help with emceeing and the hands-on planting demonstration.

Tree protection and follow-up care: commissioners discussed protective measures for the newly planted trees, including temporary fencing and non‑mar elastic ties. Several commissioners recommended installing t-posts with green plastic mesh as a visual barrier to reduce accidental damage; one commissioner also recommended chain-lock straps for staking to avoid girdling and to allow trunk movement while the tree develops.

Right-tree/right-place and giveaway guidance: Bush said staff will advise seedling recipients to plant on private property and avoid rights-of-way and utility-line conflicts. He told commissioners he will prepare or provide “right tree/right place” materials (sourced from ISA or other guidance) so recipients understand appropriate planting locations.

Partners and publicity: Bush said the mayor may attend the planting and the city will place an Arbor Day proclamation on a June city council agenda. The commission will also try to make short announcements at the Farmers Market to encourage attendees to come to the planting.

Next steps: the commission will confirm volunteers and final logistics for May 31, post event materials on the shared repository, and follow up with partners to coordinate staffing and supplies. Bush asked commissioners to send tree nominations, photos and draft language for the commission’s “Outstanding Trees of Sandpoint” listing so staff can compile an updated list after the event.