The public is invited to attend the 10:00 a.m. planting and arboretum ribbon-cutting. This annual celebration and planting are part of Milton's overall efforts to retain its 'Tree City USA' designation for the eleventh consecutive year.

 

"Mark Law led efforts to help the city secure its first 'Tree City USA' designation and he worked tirelessly each year to ensure that we retained this honor," said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. "His work to conserve trees and beautify our city will benefit future generations of Milton residents."

 

The survivor tree is from a 90-year old American Elm, located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, that survived one of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil. Evidence from the bombing had to be extracted from the tree and local officials were uncertain the tree would survive. The American Elm was almost cut down following the bombing, if not for the efforts of victims' families and the community at-large.

 

"This year's tree planting has special meaning for our city and our staff," said City Manager Steve Krokoff. "We're not only planting a survivor tree, but we're honoring one of our own and celebrating his many community contributions."

 

Law, who began his career with the city not long after its incorporation, has spent the last year bravely battling cancer, and only recently concluded his work as Milton's city arborist.

 

Arbor Day, created by Julius Sterling Morton a journalist and nature lover, celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care through annual events across the U.S. and has even been adopted by countries around the world.

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Long-time City Aborist Mark Law supervising students during a previous Arbor Day planting.