Emporia’s dedication to trees was evident over the past few weeks.
The city celebrated the planting of the Mayor’s Tree on Friday as Mayor Erren Harter planted a crabapple tree in Jones Park. Harter credited the city’s Horticulture Department, including department head Josh Nelson, for their work to keep Emporia beautiful.
Earlier in the month, Emporia was named as a Tree City USA. Director of Public Lands and Facilities Kevin Hanlin says the city has to provide a lot of information to gain that recognition.
Last year, the city planted close to 70 trees across town. The city has an $80,000 annual budget for tree care and also uses its partnership with the Natural Resources Advisory Board for its application.
