Bozeman Magazine

On Friday, April 28 from 12 to 4 p.m., the City of Bozeman Parks & Recreation Department’s Forestry Division will host a tree planting event in Bozeman to celebrate Arbor Day. The celebration, held in collaboration with Gallatin Watershed Council, will include the planting of 20 trees in Softball Complex Park.

This year’s event focuses on adding street trees to Highland Boulevard as well as planting trees around a watercourse running through the park, which will improve water quality. The event is free and open to the public for those wishing to participate.
 
Forestry Division Manager Alex Nordquest says, “We’re thrilled to work with Gallatin Watershed Council – we share the common goal of using trees as a way to improve our landscapes and waterways.”
 
Nordquest adds, “We're planting trees on two sites within the Softball Complex, including the drainage area and Highland Boulevard. The new canopy will provide shade on a well-used walking path and slow the flow of stormwater that is running off from nearby parking lots. We'll address some major issues by planting these trees, as the new vegetation will filter pollutants before that water flows into the East Gallatin River."

 
At Tuesday’s City Commission meeting the City Commission proclaimed April 28, 2023 as Arbor Day stating, “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”

 
This Arbor Day celebrates the 29th year that Bozeman has been recognized as a Tree City USA. To receive this recognition, cities must meet four overarching standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrate Arbor Day.

 
The event is also part of a City of Bozeman Forestry Division and Gallatin Watershed Council joint effort known as Branch Out Bozeman (BOB) - Bozeman's Urban Forest Network. BOB aims to enhance Bozeman's tree canopy through plantings that address water quality, social equity, and urban heat islands, and additional plantings will continue throughout the year. To volunteer or support a planting event, visit gallatinwatershedcouncil.org/branchoutbozeman.

 
For more information on the Bozeman Forestry Division, visit https://www.bozeman.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/forestry.