Independence Marks Arbor Day With Tree Line USA Award, Sapling Giveaway
Independence Power & Light (IPL) was recognized for its commitment to urban forestry during the city’s Arbor Day celebration on April 26 at the Uptown Market's Garden Faire.
IPL received the Tree Line USA Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 26th consecutive year. The award honors utilities that meet best practices in tree care, including proper pruning, tree planting, employee and public education, and overall investment in community trees.
Chuck Conner of the Missouri Department of Conservation presented the award to IPL Tree Trimming Superintendent Michael Adams. The event was emceed by Tree Commission President David Campbell, and Councilmember Heather Wiley read the official Arbor Day proclamation.
As part of the celebration, the Tree Commission gave away hundreds of free tree saplings from the Missouri Department of Conservation and raffled off six large trees donated by the Power and Light Department.
The event featured a special appearance by Smokey Bear, who posed for photos with guests in celebration of his 81st birthday.
City officials thanked the community for supporting trees, conservation, and environmental education.