The City of Warren’s recognition as a Tree City USA for the 35th straight year will highlight this year’s Arbor Day festivities.

This year’s gathering is set for this Friday at noon at the pavilion at Crescent Park.

As is tradition, a tree is planted each year for Arbor Day and this year will see a black cherry added at the park.

“We don’t plant it anymore on Arbor Day,” said Josie Gerarde, chair of the city’s Parks, Recreation & Landscape Commission. “We commemorate it.”

That commemoration will include those that participate annually — the City of Warren, state Bureau of Forestry, Garden Club and the commission.

The Allegheny National Forest is also participating this year as part of its centennial events.

“Trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer and more connected communities like ours,” according to a brochure for the event.

“Healthy forests are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. We have the privilege of living within the Allegheny National Forest and we are afforded access to the Allegheny River just minutes from our homes. Continued care and investment in these natural resources will ensure their vitality for future generations.”

The city’s Tree City USA designation is one of the oldest in the state. It’s a program that was started in 1976 by the Arbor Day Foundation.

From a start of 42 communities, the total that now participate exceeds 3,600.

“The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover,” according to the Foundation. “It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.”