In celebration of Melbourne's tenth year as a Tree City, and in the spirit of the changing seasons, children at Ozarka Kids Academy participated in autumn-related activities, some of which were demonstrated through their art class. The children created artwork and learned how the beauty of the leaves changing is important to our community.  

"The children get so excited about the changing seasons, " said Kelly Graham, director of Ozarka Kids Academy. "Artwork is a great outlet for our students to not only express this excitement, but also learn about how the seasons and the leaves change. "

2016 marks the City of Melbourne's 10^th year as a Tree City USA.   In partnership with the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the Mayor of Melbourne and the City Tree Board coordinates annual activities including an Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation and maintains an annual community forest program to be carried out each year. The Tree City USA designation is maintained by meeting the standards set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation in collaboration with the National Association of State Foresters.

"We are so proud to be celebrating 10 years as a Tree City, " said Rhonda Halbrook, Mayor of Melbourne. "This award marks 10 years and significant work by the Melbourne Tree Board, a strong partnership between city and Ozarka College staff, and help along the way from the children at the Kids Academy. "

To maintain the community forest program, each year the City Tree Board selects a location for planting. For 2016, the Board selected the Mike Cone Recreational Complex as a way to enhance the beauty of the sports complex during seasonal transitions as well as provide additional shade during its busiest months. We would like to say a special thanks to Modern Woodman for graciously donating the trees that were planted this year!