For more information, contact:
Danny Cohn: 402-474-5655
dcohn@arborday.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Billings, Montana to Receive 2016 Arbor Day Award
Billings, Montana is the recipient of the 2016 Arbor Day Celebration Award
Lincoln, Neb. April 25, 2016—The Arbor Day Foundation is honoring the City of Billings, Montana at the 2016 Arbor Day Awards on April 30th, with the Arbor Day Celebration Award in honor of the city’s efforts that represent the true spirit of the tree planter’s holiday.
In 2015 more than 500 school children gathered at Riverside Park in Billings to celebrate Arbor Day. Students from a dozen elementary schools experienced hands-on learning through environmental education stations. The education stations allowed the children to learn about trees, insects, and water quality. In addition to the hundreds of students learning about the environment, more than 180 adult volunteers planted and pruned trees.
The event ended with the planting of a Lewis and Clark Elm Tree. The tree was chosen because of its strength and endurance, ensuring that this special celebration would be represented for years and generations to come.
The event was such a draw for local pupils that many of the schools requesting to be a part of the Arbor Day celebration had to be turned down. However, the city committed to hosting similar events with hands-on education opportunities, ensuring that every child would get the chance to participate in tree plantings and nature rich experiences.
Billings strives to provide an opportunity that engages students in learning about trees and the environment and the importance of everything working in unison for a healthier, greener planet.
The City of Billings, Montana is one of 17 individuals, organizations and companies recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation at the annual Arbor Day Awards ceremony held at Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska.
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the inspiring and life-changing work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters through the Annual Arbor Day Awards. Former award winners include the late Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and the United States Forest Service.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the last 44 years, more than 250 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world.
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