Heritage trees were spotlighted at Piedmont’s annual Arbor Day celebration held April 19 at the city’s community center.
The trees were part of a new program whereby residents could nominate trees for their beauty and significance to the city. A large coast redwood at the community center that is decorated every year for the holiday tree lighting was featured, as well as a stunning grove of populus trees at the Exedra Arch.
Parks and project manager Nancy Kent said about 50 people attended the program, at which Mayor Bob McBain interviewed horticulturist Jim Horner about the trees. Six garden clubs lent their support to the event: the East Bay Garden Club, Garden Guild of the East Bay, Highlanders Garden Club, Hoe and Hope, Home Gardeners and the Piedmont Garden Club. Also supporting the event were the Piedmont Beautification Foundation, Piedmont Connect, Republic Services and Stopwaste.org. The Jazz Lab Band and Piedmont High jazz combo provided music. Kent said she was pleased with the turnout and the event overall.