Arbor Day celebrated at Mayors’ Discovery Park

La Cañada Flintridge is one tree richer. Mayor Donald Voss was joined by city and county officials Tuesday in marking La Cañada’s 22nd Arbor Day with the planting of a Catalina ironwood tree.

The planting, which took place at Mayors’ Discovery Park, is an annual event required in order for the city to maintain its designation as a Tree City USA.

“Tree City USA is a national recognition that recognizes cities for their outstanding civil cultural practices,” said Tamara Hanna, a deputy forester with the Los Angeles County Forestry Division. “It is a rigorous program. They have to re-certify annually, and it means that the cities maintain not only a certain amount of diversity, a certain amount of hardscape to greenscape. But also they have a full maintenance program, and in some cases even a growing program.”

The Catalina ironwood is a member of the evergreen family. It has small white flowers and blooms in the late spring.

— Megan O’Neil