NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – For the second year in a row the city of Negaunee celebrated Arbor Day. A proclamation was read by the mayor and a Negaunee resident was recognized for her hard work making the city a prettier place to live.
One thing every town in the upper peninsula has in common is trees. They are found in parks, sidewalks, and even on our beaches.
“We obviously live up here in the wilderness,” commented Dave Kangas, the Mayor of Negaunee.
The city of Negaunee chose to celebrate those trees last year by joining the Tree City USA program.
“There’s several requirements that you have to proclaim a tree board, you have to have a tree ordinance, you have to spend so many dollars per capita of your population,” remarked Negaunee city manager Nate Heffron.
At tonight’s Arbor Day celebration the city officially planted a fruit tree in Jackson Mine park. The tree stands in honor of Anna Mattson, who was also given the a resident who has done more than her fair share of beautification work for the city.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving this year for this award,” said Heffron,.
Mattson not only serves on the Negaunee Parks and Rec Committee but started the Beautification Committee which plants flower beds and helps organize art in the park. While Negaunee officials say the choice to give her the award was an easy one, Mattson says it was unexpected.
“I felt very shocked,” Mattson said when asked about how she felt after winning the award.
The hard work done by Mattson to make Negaunee a more beautiful place to live has been selfless. Everything she does is with her neighbors in mind.
“It’s for the community, it’s to show them, one small thing, one small item can make a huge difference,” said Mattson.
Negaunee officials say they are committed to growing the tree population within the city’s parks. The hope is to send a clear message that the city cares about the environment.
“It just helps us contribute back to mother nature and tell her that we still care about you,” remarked Kangas.
