Pateros observes a low-key Arbor Day

PATEROS – Arbor Day, when the city pauses to officially celebrate its Tree City USA designation, was more low-key than customary last Friday, May 20, as city officials, Pateros Elementary School students, and the public gathered at the Methow River boat launch for a brief afternoon observance.

It has been two years since a public gathering for Arbor Day has been observed by the city due to restrictions and precautions surrounding the COVID pandemic. With that in mind city officials decided to hold a simpler ceremony in a location where students from the Pateros Elementary first, second, and third grades could safely walk the distance to the boat launch and participate in the activities. Those included a story time, chalk art in the parking lot, and tree identification tips, among other events.

Mayor Kelly Hook read the official Arbor Day proclamation. City Administrator Jord Wilson and park staff planted a dogwood tree.