Jefferson DeFrees Students assist city arborist Joe Reinke in planting a Kentucky Coffeetree at Crescent Park.

A group of pre-kindergarten students got their hands dirty this week while learning about trees and conservation, as the city of Warren kicked off its Arbor Day activities at Crescent Park.

City arborist Joe Reinke welcomed students from Jefferson DeFrees Family Center on Tuesday, guiding them through the process of planting this year’s Arbor Day tree. The children helped scoop and place soil around a newly planted Kentucky coffeetree while learning about the species and the importance of proper planting techniques.

Reinke explained key steps in tree care and shared facts about the Kentucky coffeetree, a hardy and relatively uncommon species in the region. The hands-on experience gave students a chance to actively participate while gaining an early appreciation for environmental stewardship.

The planting comes as part of broader preparations for the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration.

This year’s event will take place at Crescent Park, a site recently impacted by storm damage that removed several mature maple trees.

The celebration will include a public gathering at the park pavilion and is expected to draw residents, families, and school groups, continuing a tradition that has grown in participation over the years.

The official Arbor Day event is scheduled for Friday at noon at the Crescent Park pavilion. The program will feature an introduction by parks, recreation and street landscape commission chair Michael Suppa and a proclamation delivered by City Council Vice President Danielle Flasher.

Additional presentations will include the Tree City USA designation by District Forester Cecile Stelter and a historical overview of the Kentucky coffeetree by commission member Kristine Whitaker.

Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about local forestry efforts, and take part in a community tradition that continues to grow alongside Warren’s parks system.