To commemorate the upcoming Arbor Day and to highlight the importance of trees in the community, the city of Enumclaw has scheduled a tree planting ceremony for 11 a.m. Saturday at Dwight Garrett Park.

City Councilman Jeff Beckwith will open the ceremony with a brief pronouncement on behalf of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers will plant three golden chain trees and one golden rain tree along Kibler Avenue. Those planning on attending are encouraged to meet at the tennis court parking lot along Kibler Avenue at 11 a.m.

Saturday's event was planned by Enumclaw's Urban Forestry Board. Organizers have recognized the Enumclaw Garden Club for its donations, which have made the planting of the new trees (and other trees) possible. Organizers also have singled out the Enumclaw Parks Beautification Committee for all the recent work members have done at Veterans Memorial Park.

It was also noted that Enumclaw was recently named a "Tree City USA" for the second year in a row.

Arbor Day was first begun in Nebraska in 1872, and was celebrated that year by the planting of more than 1 million trees in the state. It is now celebrated nationwide and around the world.

Trees play an important role because they reduce wind and water erosion, reduce heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide wildlife habitat. Trees are a renewable resource providing paper, wood, and fuel; and which have the added benefit of beautifying the communities where people live.