Kids celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees across Merced County

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Several North Valley students helped to spruce up their community on Arbor Day.

They took part in tree planting ceremonies at one park in Merced and five different schools Friday.

At Peterson Elementary, students and public works crews planted three Rio Ash and two Maple trees on the campus.

Peterson students also helped plant five more trees at Bob Carpenter Park, and they say this was a fun way to learn about Arbor Day and the environment.

"I really Like it because we definitely needed some more trees and for it to look more outside-y," student Katelyn Taylor said. "And I think I reallly like the trees that are being planted here today."

Altogether, 30 trees were planted during the day's ceremonies. This is the City of Merced's 35th year as a Tree City USA.

Arbor Day dates back to 1872 when a Nebraska publisher encouraged people to plant trees to beautify the state.