Clearwater Celebrates Arbor Day With Free Trees For ResidentsCLEARWATER- The City of Clearwater will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Services Complex, 1650 N. Arcturas Ave., with a ceremony and tree giveaway. A representative from the Florida Division of Forestry will present the prestigious Tree City USA award to Clearwater. This is the 26th consecutive year Clearwater has been honored as a Tree City USA. Following the Tree City USA ceremony, Clearwater residents are invited to receive two free trees per household, plant them and watch them grow. Available trees include these species: Live Oak, Shumard Oak, Chickasaw Plum, Red Cedar, Bald Cypress, Southern Magnolia, Red Maple, Slash Pine, Walters Viburnum, and four colors of Crape Myrtles (pink, white, red, and lavender). More than 1,800 trees will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Proof of Clearwater residency is required. A voter's registration card, a Florida driver's license or a recent utility bill can be used to prove residency. City staff will answer questions relating to maintaining and watering the new trees. "Trees are a vital component of our city and provide environmental and economic benefits," said Frank Hibbard, Clearwater Mayor. "I'm thrilled that Clearwater has been recognized once again as a Tree City USA." The National Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree City USA program in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To qualify for Tree City USA status, Clearwater must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. For more information, call the Public Services Department at (727) 562-4950.
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