Plant yourself in Simi for March 31 Arbor Day
Cherry trees will be planted in memory of local difference-makers

The city of Simi Valley's Tree Advisory Board will host the seventh annual Arbor Day tree planting program at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at the Veterans Plaza in Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi. The public is invited.

This year's guest speaker will be Rorie Skei, chief deputy director for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Her talk will be on the foundation's theme "Tree are Terrific . . . and Forests are, Too."

Posters created by local fifthgrade classes who participated in the National Arbor Day Poster Contest will be on display.

Cherry trees will be planted to posthumously honor local citizens, including Dr. John Anderson, veterinarian to the city's canine unit, and James Dougherty, former Ventura County supervisor and City Council member.

Refreshments will be served and a limited supply of 15gallon trees and oak seedlings will be distributed free on a first come, first served basis.

The city is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA and Tree Growth Community.

For more information, call Jerry Clark, landscape architect, at (805) 583-6393.