City of Sedalia to Observe Arbor Day April 7

The City of Sedalia, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Citizens Committee for Smart Growth and the Tree Board invites citizens to celebrate Arbor Day at Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, Shelter House, located at 19350 Bothwell State Park Road, on Friday, April 7 starting at 3:30 p.m.

The City of Sedalia Tree Board will recognize area businesses that have participated in past Arbor Day celebrations. They will also recognize businesses that have included trees in their landscaping throughout green spaces and/or parking lots.

As in past years, the Missouri Department of Conservation will be on hand to provide tree seedlings to the public. The tree selections this year include: Shell Bark Hickory, White Oak and Hazel Nut.

For the first time, the public will have an opportunity to learn more about a program called Shinrin-yoku. Lindsee Godsey, official Shinrin-yoku guide, will be in attendance and give a brief overview of ‘forest bathing.’ According to the website, www.shinrin-yoku.org, “Shinrin-yok” is a term that means ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ or ‘forest bathing.’

Ms. Godsey will be holding forest walks on Friday, April 7 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. The cost for the walk is $25 per person.

The walks are limited in size, so for those interested in participating, please contact Ellen Cross in the Public Works Department at (660) 827-3000 ext. 1166 to reserve a spot or for additional information.