The program included Mayor Robert Beussman’s reading of the Arbor Day proclamation and New Ulm Library’s Youth Service Librarian Kathryn Tatnall reading the book “The Busy Tree,” to the students. The children’s book illustrates through pictures and rhymes all the ways trees feed and shelter the animals of the forest.

This year the students planted a white oak, a tree known for long life span of 200 to 300 years and is common in southern Minnesota.

Each student took a turn placing a shovel full of dirt around the tree. The tree will serve the park for generations to come.