Arbor Day Tree Planting 2022
Posted on 04/06/2022

The Cape Girardeau Tree Board along with city Parks Division staff celebrated Missouri Arbor Day Friday April 1st, 2022 at the New City Hall in Cape Girardeau. The Tree Board and volunteers planted 3 Service Berry Trees around the newly constructed City hall located at 44 S. Lorimier Street.

The observance of Arbor Day by the City of Cape Girardeau is one of the criteria for recognition as a Tree City USA affiliate.  Cape Girardeau has been named a Tree City USA city by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor it’s commitment to its community forest.  It is the 23rd year Cape Girardeau has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Cape Girardeau has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA affiliate: maintaining a citizen tree board, establishing a tree care ordinance, maintaining a comprehensive community forestry program and recognizing Arbor Day through tree plantings each year.

John Rosenow, President of The National Arbor Day Foundation quoted “It shows the people of Cape Girardeau value trees for the beauty, grace, comfort and practical blessings they bring”.  Tree City USA honors the men, women and children in Cape Girardeau who are working hard to ensure a greener, healthier tomorrow. If you would like to learn more about native trees, please contact the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at 573.339.6340 or the Missouri Department of Conservation and Forestry of Cape Girardeau office: 573-290-5730.



ABOUT THE TREE BOARD

CHAIRMAN
Jennifer Behnken

VICE-CHAIRMAN
Dr. Sven Svenson

MEMBERS
Robert Harris
Laura Klipfel
Dr. Beverly Evans
Stan Polivick (Public Works)
Brock Davis (Parks and Recreation)
Doug Gannon (Parks and Recreation)


It is the responsibility of the Tree Board to study, investigate, counsel and develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of public trees in parks, along streets and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented annually to the City Council and upon their acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive city tree plan. Upon request by the City Council, the Board shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter of question coming within the scope of its work. The purpose of the "tree ordinance" is to improve the aesthetic appeal of the city and to maintain a healthy, useful population of public trees that, through proper cultivation, maintenance, pruning and removal will not infringe upon the public safety or present a hazard to the citizens of the city or to visitors in the city.

The Tree Board consist of the City Director of Public Works, the City Director of Parks and Recreation, one member of the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (selected by the Chairman of the Board), and two residents of Cape Girardeau selected by the City Council. Members serve three-year terms. The positions held by the Department Directors are ex-officio with the right to vote on all matters to come before the Board.


Meeting Schedule

Meetings held second Monday, bi-monthly beginning in February, at 12:00 noon.


Staff Liaison

Parks and Recreation Director
A.C. Brase Arena Building
410 Kiwanis Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO  63701
573-339-6340 Phone
573-339-6393 Fax
[email protected]