The first tree of its kind was planted in the city during the annual Arbor Day celebration Thursday.

A rosea autumn flowering cherry tree was planted at Baker Park, which is located between West Fourth and Fifth streets and Clinton and Jefferson streets. This year’s Arbor Day celebration was held in the fall instead of the spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to see how this tree does,” said Dan Stone, city arborist.

Along with city officials, the Zonta Club and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation officials were also attended the annual celebration to recognize the importance of planting and caring for trees. Stone said this year was the 39th consecutive year that the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the city as a Tree City USA. He said Jamestown is the second longest tenure Tree City USA city in the state. He said cities that receive this honor demonstrate a dedication through time and funding to their urban forest.

Stone said city officials also received its 10th consecutive Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award honors environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. He said the city receives funding from the Jamestown City Council through the city’s budget, citizen donations and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for the trees planted each year in the city.

Deb Piotrowski, Zonta Club of Jamestown Advocacy Committee chairwoman, said the Zonta Club stands for no violence against women and the tree that was planted Thursday will be a symbol of the club’s mission.

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Jamestown is one of more than 1,200 clubs that make up Zonta International.

Stone once again did his annual “Arbor Day Rhyme” to discuss the importance of planting trees in the city.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today,” he said.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. More information about Tree City USA can be found at arborday.org/treecityusa.

People can make a tax-deductible donation toward the city’s urban forestry fund through the Community Foundation by sending a check to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701. For more information, visit www.crcfonline.org or www.jamestownny.gov.