BOISE, Idaho — People across the nation celebrated Arbor Day 2019 on Friday - and, of course, the City of Trees joined the festivities too.
On Friday morning, Mayor Dave Bieter led the annual celebration at the Capitol by awarding student winners of the Arbor Day Student Photo Contest.
The goal of Arbor Day is to bring attention to the importance of planting and caring for trees in our communities and forests.
Smokey Bear even made a special appearance.
Mayor Bieter said across Idaho, and especially in the City of Trees, planting trees is so important to the Gem State's culture.
"All the great things that we know trees do - clean the air, provide shade, just a wealth of things, it is, we know, so important to the livability of the city," he said. "It cools things off, and really provides a kind of environment that everyone loves.
After the formal ceremony, people gathered outside the Capitol to plant a tree together.
Everyone seemed to agree that planting a tree for Arbor Day is really the best way to celebrate.