Arbor Day turnout spurred by tree walk, sculpture preview and outreach, Tree Board says

Tree Board members reflected on a large turnout at the recent Arbor Day event and credited several factors, including a guided tree walk, a sculpture preview, better publicity and partnerships with other groups.

What the board reported Board members estimated attendance near 30–40 people during parts of the event and said roughly two dozen participants completed the full tree walk route. The event included a guided tree walk led by an experienced tree identifier; members said the walk was more popular than simple volunteer work parties and appealed to families and residents seeking a hands‑on educational experience.

Community elements and partners Board members said the Stewardship Foundation and other local groups helped publicize the event and that previewing a public sculpture drew additional interest. Several members noted that combining a short educational program (about an hour) with a two‑hour volunteer shift increased overall turnout at similar events in other jurisdictions.

Photos and outreach Members noted the city’s Instagram post about the event received high engagement and that event photos were shared in the city newsletter. Board members agreed that continued partnership outreach, better publicity, and mixed programming (education + volunteer action) increased participation.

Next steps Board members suggested scheduling additional tree walks and considering cemetery or park walks at other times of the year (including fall) and to use combinations of education plus volunteer service to attract families and new volunteers.

Ending No policy actions were taken; the board celebrated the successful event and asked staff to help circulate photos and outreach ideas to replicate the turnout.