Parowan Shade Tree Committee finalizes Arbor Day program for May 2, 2026

The Parowan City Shade Tree Committee voted March 5 to proceed with plans for an Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, including a ceremonial tree planting near the north fence of the Meeks cabin yard. "Vern Fridley presented detailed plans for the 2026 Arbor Day celebration, which he had previously outlined in an email sent on February 10th," the committee minutes state.

The committee said Callie Bassett, the city recorder, had updated the proclamation draft so it is ready for city council approval, and that the mayor would read the proclamation during a short program. Jet Smith, the city's events planner, was identified as available to provide loudspeakers and folding chairs. Vern also reported Principal Heaton welcomed a school assembly at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, with older students to take part in follow-up planting activities.

Committee members discussed logistics and agreed staff could dig planting holes and install water lines before the event because the city crew does not work on Fridays or Saturdays. A motion by Chair Heidi Toia, seconded by Vern Fridley, to move forward with the school and city coordination for Arbor Day carried unanimously. The committee scheduled a final planning meeting for the first Thursday of April to assign volunteers and finalize the program.