Arbor Day recognized in Hannibal with planting of elm tree on Broadway by fourth-grade students

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Fourth-grade students from Holy Family, St. John and Eugene Field schools helped members of the Tree Board and staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation and Hannibal Parks and Recreation with the planting of an elm tree tree on Friday, April 25. The elm tree, planted on Broadway, was in celebration of Arbor Day.

Each year in April, the National Arbor Day Foundation encourages everyone to celebrate and plant trees. The observance takes place each year on the last Friday in April. Arbor Day marks a day of hope and appreciation for trees and all that they bring to the environment for those who celebrate. Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Neb.

Hannibal is celebrating its 26th year as a Tree City USA and meets the following standards to receive annual Tree City recognition:

• Maintaining a tree board or department
• Having a community tree ordinance
• Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
• Celebrating Arbor Day