Delphi seventh-graders celebrate Tree City USA designation
Comet staff report

Recognition of enhancements is pleasant to most. Perhaps what matters more is the opinion of residents who live near the enhancements.

When the enhancements are in the form of trees, Delphi students couldn't be more pleased.

City of Delphi, Delphi seventh grade students and Delphi Forestry Commission will officially receive the designation of Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation during a special celebration April 26 at 1 p.m. at the middle school, 501 Armory Rd., Delphi.

The public is invited to attend the celebration. Red Oak seedlings will be given to the first 100 people in attendance.

During the ceremony, a special tree planting will occur to aid the middle school toward its goal of 50 native Indiana trees in the school's outdoor laboratory.

Seventh-graders will perform skits and readings to highlight the meaning of Arbor Day. This year marks the 10th anniversary of students' Arbor Day tree-planting efforts.

Pam Louks of the Department of Natural Resources will make the announcement and present the Delphi library with a "Re-Leaf kit" of multimedia tree care materials.

Mayor Lee Hoard will also announce all those involved in efforts to attain the designation.

More than a year of organization and work was put forth by the city, forestry commission, students and others from the community to meet National Association of State Foresters and USDA Forest Service standards.

Tree City USA designation brings with it the commitment to manage and care for Delphi's urban forest environment for the benefit of the community.