Events will celebrate Arbor Day

The public is invited to Spokane’s Annual Arbor Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the John A. Finch Arboretum.

A special program will take place at 12:30 p.m. when local dignitaries, the public and the city’s Urban Forestry staff will plant a 16-foot white ash.

The tree is descended from the white ash that George Washington planted on his estate in Mount Vernon. The tree is a donation from Mount Vernon Gardens in Washington, D.C., and a product of the Champion Tree Program.

Currently, Spokane’s George Washington Heritage Tree is the only one of its kind west of the Rockies.

In addition to the tree planting, visitors can enjoy free displays, demonstrations and entertainment activities. The Corbin Art Center will host arts and crafts projects; the Idaho Forest Products Commission will give out seedlings; and information on community gardens and recycling will be available.

The arboretum is located at the intersection of F Street and Sunset Highway. Arbor Day activities are free and take place rain or shine.