Environmentalism was celebrated with new oxygen as the City of LaGrange recognized Arbor Day Friday. The city’s tree board and workers planted a Princeton Elm at the Bull Street extension, nest to the location where the city’s skate park will be built. 

Alton West, a tree board member and director of community development, said that the group meets as needed and have held the Arbor Day celebration for 16 years. He said they have planted trees around LaGrange, such as at city hall and Calumet Park in previous years.

“It’s important (to celebrate) because the fact that trees are part of the natural ecology system, gives oxygen, which we all need, and it makes a great place to sit under on a great sunny day,” West said.

To be a member of Tree City USA, the city has to maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

The city’s tree board is made up of West, community development senior planner Leigh Threadgill, electrical superintendent Jay Bartlett and public works manager Chris Prather.

“We’ve been a tree city for 16 years now, and as a designation, that we take pride within and know the importance of planting a tree,” West said.