DCNR Service Forester John Nissen presented city administrators with accolades for accomplishments in urban forestry at Marvine ES on Arbor Day April 28. Hardly a first, this marked the 24th Tree City USA and ninth Growth Year plaques awarded to the city. Chief of staff Alexander Karras accepted the two awards on Mayor Bob Donchez’s behalf. A large Tree City USA flag from the Arbor Day Foundation was also presented and given to the elementary school to keep and display. City Forrester Cindy Smith spoke to the children about the significance of trees, reminding the audience that free tree seedlings were available to residents at City Hall. Joshua Malik, owner of Joshua Tree of Stockertown, was recognized for the company’s sixth year of offering supervised tree climbing for fourth graders on the school grounds. Additional arboricultural opportunities were offered outdoors by the teachers in the form of activity stations which featured finger painting, bird feeder pine cone making and games.