Saratoga celebrates Arbor Day with Blenheim apricot tree planting

Saratoga paid homage to its roots as the city held its 18th Arbor Day ceremony at the historical park on April 24.

Since Saratoga became an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA in 2007, the city has held an annual celebration to highlight the importance of trees and environmental protection, according to the city’s website. Every year, the city plants a tree to commemorate Arbor Day.

“Arbor Day as a day itself is really intended to celebrate that we are a Tree City USA but also encourage our residents continue planting trees,” said Mayor Belal Aftab in an interview. “The thing about a tree canopy is that trees get old, they age, they die out. So it’s really important to keep on planting trees.”

A Blenheim apricot tree was planted in front of the museum at the ceremony to honor Saratoga’s agricultural history. Blenheim apricots originated in Saratoga and other parts of the Santa Clara Valley.

Former mayor Jill Hunter said about 30 people attended the ceremony, and guests were able to tour the museum and enjoy cookies.

Aftab, a museum board member for several years, said he asked that the Blenheim apricot tree be planted at the museum. In reading Saratoga’s history, he added, the former rural landscape was mentioned frequently.

“I just wanted to contribute to that and continue that story of how important trees are to our history and what makes Saratoga a special place,” Aftab said.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s mission is to “inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees,” according to the nonprofit’s website. Aftab said that to be named a Tree City USA, cities must meet criteria including programs for tree management, inventory and preservation.