Autumn Arborfest

Dedicate Your Day to Trees, Wildlife and the Environment

Spend a Saturday enjoying the City’s internationally recognized tree canopy at the 7th Annual Autumn Arborfest on Sept. 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Alum Creek Park North (221 W. Main St.) Attendees will meet with the City’s expert arborists and learn why Westerville is a Tree City USA for the 48 years and is one of only 200 cities nationwide named a five-time Tree Cities of the World designee.

The event features environmental and educational activities for all ages crafts and more than 35 vendors. Activities include bucket truck rides, paper making, tree giveaways, stump painting and more. Local arborists and Westerville Parks and Recreation professionals will be on-site to answer questions and assist with activities. Free giveaways will also be available throughout the event.

A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to the community:

• Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.

• Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.

• Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings from hot sun and protecting them from winter winds.

• Homes with trees have higher property values.

• Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.

• Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.

NEW THIS YEAR!

The Ohio State University BUGmobile will be on site. This mobile insect zoo and education outreach vehicle provides hands-on experiences that range from holding live insects to examining them up close under a microscope.

Mothman Returns

Visit with the "Mothman" and get up close and personal with an array of caterpillars. Learn fun facts, including best practices for butterfly gardens and how to help protect these beloved pollinators.

TAKE A TURN ON THE ROPE WALK

Guided by a member of the Westerville Parks Maintenance team, participants don special harnesses as they traverse a low branch connected to a City tree. Those who feel adventurous enough can even take a swing! Ages 3 and up.

Learn more at www.westerville.org/events.

Learn more about Tree City USA and Tree Cities of the World at www.arborday.com.