Saugus celebrates Arbor Day 2024

By Laura Eisener

Arbor Day, first celebrated in 1872, is today, April 26. While it was initially celebrated on April 10, the date now varies from state to state, and in Massachusetts it is now the last Friday in April. It is a day to appreciate the trees around us and for many people a day to plant a tree! Traditional activities include planting a tree in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a birthday. Some community groups get together to plant trees in parks, and professional tree care services often assist volunteers on public projects on Arbor Day or on nearby weekends.

The ground is ready a little earlier than usual for planting this year. In Saugus, Arbor Day activities are happening throughout the spring. Here are a few activities happening this year:

• In early April, the William Sutton Lodge of Massachusetts Freemasons had a tree sapling giveaway. Many people stopped by to get trees that they are planting in various locations in town.
• Bella Vasi and Zenera Shahu at the SMHS Environmental Club, along with other club members, are planning to repot two balsam fir saplings that they received at the saplings giveaway in a protected location at their club garden. Once the trees have established a better root system and are more resistant to animal damage, they can be planted directly in the ground!
• Saugus students from several classes are working on a poster contest featuring the benefits of trees.
• The Saugus Tree Committee has 200 saplings planted in the Tree Farm off the bike trail, in protective collars to protect them from animal damage. The location across from the cemetery is very moist, which helps limit the frequent watering trips to the farm by Tree Committee volunteers.
• The Saugus Public Library will have an art exhibit on “Distinguished Trees of Saugus” showing artwork from an adult art class taught there by Kelly Slater last Saturday. The opening reception with Kelly Slater will be on May 11 from 2-4, preceded by a concert from 1-2. On May 16 at 6:30 p.m., Laura Eisener will be doing a free talk on this same subject at the Saugus Public Library, including photos of many “Distinguished Trees of Saugus.” Saugus has for several decades been certified a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, which recognizes the annual activities performed by the town in appreciation of trees.

Throughout the state, many small local organizations are participating in tree planting projects in parks, playgrounds, etc. The Massachusetts Arborists Association members have an Arbor Day of service today in which their members volunteer planting, pruning or otherwise performing tree care activities across the state for towns and nonprofits. Scientists at the Arnold Arboretum and elsewhere are exploring the ways trees sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. In many public gardens and arboreta, people visit to enjoy the new leaves and flowers that are produced in spring.