On Saturday, May 20, at 1:30 p.m., Camden will hold its 27th Arbor Day observance by planting a new tree at the corner of Pearl and Free streets.

Pearl Street, once considered Maine’s quintessential tree-lined village street, is currently undergoing major infrastructure construction and, as part of that project, new trees will be replanted once again along its entire length. The tree to be planted on Arbor Day celebrates the first of the 2023 generation of Pearl Street saplings to be installed.

This year’s celebration and tree planting continues the renewed effort by the town to plant a minimum of 50 new street trees every year, an undertaking initiated last year by Camden’s Tree Warden, David St. Laurent, and a group of citizen volunteers. In 2022, St. Laurent and Camden’s Public Works crew planted and maintained 77 trees throughout the town, which represents the largest planting of public street trees since 1995.

The Camden Conservation Commission, which was reconstituted in August 2022, will serve as the official town Tree Board and Arbor Day organizers going forward. The formal celebration each year ensures Camden’s place as a listed Tree City with the Arbor Day Foundation, a title it has held since 1996, with the exception of a two-year pause during COVID.

The public is encouraged to attend the event, which will take place rain or shine. There will be speakers, and food and refreshments will be provided.