Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Independence Power and Light and Parks, Recreation and Tourism departments with awards

On April 27, 2024, at the annual City of Independence  “Uptown Garden Faire” Arbor Day celebration the Power and Light and Parks and Recreation departments were recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation with the Tree Line USA, and Tree City USA awards. 

These awards recognize the efforts of the City of Independence and the Arbor Day celebration, proper tree care, planting, public education, city worker’s education, and the money spent on trees per capita. This includes tree planting, hazardous tree removals, trimming the trees in our parks, road right of ways, and around the power lines. 

Chuck Conner an Urban Forester from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presented the awards to Charlotte Olejko the Parks Department Horticulturalist, and Michael Adams the Power and Light Tree Trimming Superintendent. The Parks Department Director Morris Heide  Emceed the event, and City Councilman John Perkins read the Arbor Day proclamation. 

The Independence Tree Commission sponsored the celebration giving away hundreds of small trees provided by the MDC, and had a free raffle for several larger trees donated by the Power and Light department. 

We also had a visit from “Smokey the Bear”,  who made many kids smile and posed with adults and kids alike for photo opportunities.