PHOTO GALLERY: Arbor Day in Burlingame

Sunshine and a brisk March wind set the tone for the 2011 Burlingame Arbor Day Ceremony at Ray Park on Monday. 

Jim Skeels, Parks and Recreation Director, opened the event with introductions and thanks to individuals and groups who worked together for this community event, including Karlene Harvey of the Burlingame Tree Department who was the key organizer for this year’s event. 

The City's 32nd Arbor Day celebration highlighted the planting of 450 trees and a new tree inventory system made possible through grants from the State of California. Burlingame was also recognized as a "Tree City USA" during the event.

Jimi Scheid, representing the CAL FIRE Urban Forestry Program, presented the Tree City Banner to Burlingame. “Burlingame is one of my favorite cities to visit because the citizens are passionate about their trees,” he said.

Burlingame Mayor Terry Nagel, four city council members, City Manager Jim Nantell and City Librarian Pat Harding were on hand for the ceremony. 

Nagel offered special thanks to three organizations that work with the city’s tree department-- Burlingame Historical Society, Burlingame Garden Club and the city Beautification Commission.

Students from , , , , and presented art work, stories, poems and tree facts at the event before joining city officials and residents in planting young elm trees to cap off the ceremony.

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