La Cañada is one tree richer

La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Laura Olhasso replaced her gavel for a gold shovel last Thursday, planting a new tree in Glenola Park as part of the annual Arbor Day celebration.

Olhasso was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Don Voss, Los Angeles County deputy forester Tamara Hanna and La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce CEO Pat Anderson, as well as a dozen community leaders, in planting the young crape myrtle.

La Cañada traditionally celebrates Arbor Day in the spring, but delayed the event by several months. The city had to get the tree planted before the end of the year in order to retain its status as a Tree City U.S.A.

“This is the 21st year we have done this, which I think is pretty special,” Olhasso said. “It shows our city’s commitment to trees in general I think it is a really nice way to celebrate.”

Arbor Day began in 1872 when more than a million trees were planted in Nebraska. The Tree City U.S.A. program is run by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. There are currently 3,310 communities classified as a Tree City U.S.A.

Hanna presented the mayor with a commemorative placard and a flag.

“Twenty-one years of commitment for a city to beautify their city, to have the tree planting and replacement and maintenance program is a significant award, so everyone should be commended,” Hanna said.

Crape myrtle trees are most recognizable by their colorful and long-lasting flowers. The tree, which in some cases can grow to 100 feet, blooms in late summer and early fall.