UAPB Extension Horticulture Specialist Helps Keep Pine Bluff a Tree-friendly City

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Shaun Francis, Extension horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, is working to maintain and further the city of Pine Bluff’s status as a “Tree City USA” community. As a member of the Pine Bluff Board of Tree City USA, he helps ensure the organization meets its standards and fulfills its yearly goals.

According to the organization’s website, Tree City USA began as a 1976 Bicentennial program through the National Arbor Day Foundation and is co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Pine Bluff is one of 46 Tree City USA communities in Arkansas.

Francis said work on Pine Bluff’s Tree City USA board includes planning and executing educational programs about the importance of trees and conducting workshops that inform community members about tree care practices such as pruning. Some activities are geared specifically toward youth audiences to teach them the importance of having and maintaining trees in the city. The board is also responsible for planning Arbor Day observances.

“The highlight of Arbor Day observances in Pine Bluff is usually the reading of a special proclamation by the mayor followed by a tree planting exercise,” he said. “On this occasion, a special invitee may be tasked with planting the selected trees. In the past, the mayor was part of the planting event and was occasionally assisted by the county sheriff or representatives of organizations that were invited to attend.”

This year, the city will observe Arbor Day on April 29, Francis said. A tree planting exercise will be held on the Pine Bluff High School campus at 10 a.m.

“This is a big year for Arbor Day – 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the tree planter’s holiday. As part of the day’s events, Mayor Shirley Washington will read a proclamation,” Francis said. “A member of the Tree City USA Pine Bluff Board will present her with the flags, signs, and stickers that symbolize the city’s recognition as a tree city. These were provided to the Pine Bluff board by the National Arbor Day Foundation.”