L/A to Celebrate Arbor Week With Various Educational Activities

Lewiston/Auburn, Maine - During the week of May 18th, the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn will be celebrating Arbor Week. The Lewiston/Auburn Tree Board has several activities planned to acknowledge and promote the importance of trees and our community forest.

MONDAY, 5/18 – OPEN TO PUBLIC: Tree Board members will be at TD Bank on Main Street in Lewiston and TD Bank at Great Falls in Auburn giving away small spruce seedlings to TD Bank customers in recognition of TD Bank’s support of our community forest.  TD Bank and their volunteer employees have planted 175 trees in Auburn over the last two years, and this is a small effort from the Tree Board to recognize that contribution.  The City of Lewiston has applied this year for the same grant to receive 62 trees, which would be planted by TD Bank volunteers this fall.  On Monday afternoon, several board members will be attending the State Arbor Week celebration in Kennebunkport to commend the achievements of Maine cities that have been named a “Tree City USA.” This is the twelfth year that Lewiston and Auburn have received this recognition, and board members will be on hand to accept respective awards and gift trees, which will be presented by the Maine Forest Service.

TUESDAY, 5/19 – OPEN TO PUBLIC: Tree Board members will be working with students from
Edward Little High School at the new Lewiston/Auburn tree nursery located at 115 North Auburn Road, Auburn. Recently, the board received a grant from the Maine Forest Service to assist with the establishment of a small municipal tree nursery. Using these funds, students will be among the first to plant trees, which, when ready, will be relocated to streets and other public open spaces in Lewiston and Auburn.  On Tuesday afternoon, Lewiston City Arborist, Steve Murch, will speak at “Tree, Tea, Talk” for the Women’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County at Foss Mansion, 19 Elm Street, Auburn. The discussion will focus on tree selection, care, and maintenance.

WEDNESDAY, 5/20: The Lewiston City Arborist will join a third grade class at McMahon School in Lewiston. Students will discuss trees and conservation as they enjoy a short hike along the recently established McMahon School Nature Trail.

In addition to these events, the Mayors of both Cities will sign proclamations recognizing the L/A Tree Board and each city’s effort in enhancing the community forest.

Anyone interested in more information about these events or the Lewiston/Auburn Tree Board should call or email Lewiston Public Works at 513-3003 ext. 3443 or smurch@lewistonmaine.gov