North Kentucky News

Covington, Kentucky is extending its Arbor Day celebrations throughout April, beginning this week with events at Goebel Park. On Friday, April 4, at 11 a.m., the Kentucky Division of Forestry will join the city for a Kentucky Arbor Day Ceremony at the park located at 501 Philadelphia St. The event includes a memorial tree planting and a giveaway of 200 Bald Cypress seedlings.

“Kentucky Arbor Day is an annual celebration of the importance of trees in our communities and in the commonwealth, and helps to highlight the many benefits we receive from trees and forests,” stated Brandon Howard, Director/State Forester with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. “Planting a ceremonial tree on Kentucky Arbor Day is an act of reaffirming our dedication to fostering shared stewardship of our community trees and forests for generations to come.”

The following day, Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Covington Urban Forestry Board will host a Spring Tree Planting event at Goebel Park. Volunteers will plant between 25 to 30 trees in the park.

Patrick Moore, Covington Urban Forester, emphasized the significance of both events in recognizing the city’s designation as a “Tree City.” Moore said, "Planting a memorial tree in Goebel Park with Kentucky Division of Forestry on State Arbor Day is a moment to celebrate Covington’s 21 years of recognition as a Tree City, and now 3 years as a Tree City of the World."

The Urban Forestry Board will supply shovels for the planting event and advises volunteers to bring gloves and boots. "Volunteering to plant a tree is rewarding on many levels," Moore noted. "Planting a tree not only looks and feels good in the moment, but also truly makes a lasting impact with benefits that people can enjoy for many years into the future."

In celebration of Arbor Day, the City’s Urban Forestry Board will distribute hundreds of tree seedlings throughout April. "In the next couple of weeks, the board will give 300 tree seedlings to third graders in Covington elementary schools," Moore said. The board, together with the Kentucky Urban Forestry Division, will also distribute 400 tree seedlings during the Linden Day Arbor Day Celebration at the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery & Arboretum on April 26.