Manitowoc's dedication to urban forestry celebrated with Tree City USA award, to be presented during Arbor Day event April 26

MANITOWOC — The city of Manitowoc will receive its 41st Tree City USA award during the Arbor Day celebration this week.

According to a news release from the city, a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will attend the event — at 12:30 p.m. April 26 at the Manitowoc Senior Center, 3330 Custer St. — to present a city representative with the award.

The news release states: "Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among other benefits."

Kiel Municipal Band kicks off season: ht Kiel Municipal Band kicks off 96th year April 26. Here's everything to know about its season-opening show.

The city will also be given its 12th consecutive Growth Award for going above and beyond the four standards of Tree City USA. Those standards are to maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and to celebrate Arbor Day with a public event.

The public is invited and all grade-school students who attend will receive a free tree seedling. The event will also feature Mayor Justin Nickels reading the city's Arbor Day Proclamation and a ceremonial planting of trees, donated by the Izaak Walton League, at Halvorsen Park. 3110 Mero St. There will also be a reading of “The Lorax” and a question-and-answer session with third- and fourth-grade students from Bethany Lutheran School.

MPU wins award: Manitowoc Public Utilities wins national award for reliability and safety

Property owners interested in planting or removing a tree in their terrace area, which is the area between the sidewalk and the street, must first complete a permit, the city said.

People can donate to the Tree Donation Program, through which trees are planted at a public park or at Evergreen Cemetery along with an engraved marker.

Contact the city's Forestry Division at 920-686-3580 for more details or go to www.manitowoc.org/forestry.

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Arbor Day in Manitowoc includes Tree City USA award, proclamation