The City of Arlington will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, May 13, at Lake Arlington’s Richard Simpson Park, 6300 W. Arkansas Lane.

The free event starts at 9 a.m. and includes acorn planting, lake and catfish tank fishing, a birds of prey display, an exotic feline exhibit, an awards presentation and a variety of other family fun activities.

According to the city’s Urban Forestry and Land Manager Stacy Baldwin, all Arlington families are invited to participate in Arbor Day, which became a nationwide observance in the late 1800s.

"Arbor Day is an opportunity to encourage the planting of trees and to raise awareness of their value," Baldwin said.

The event will offer children the opportunity to plant acorns gathered from local parks and to fish in a catfish tank or from the banks of Lake Arlington. Informational booths and family activities will stress the importance of tree planting and preserving the environment. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Fishing competitions will take place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with trophies awarded for the largest lake catch in various age groups. Participants in the fishing competitions are asked to bring their own poles and supplies. A fishing license will be required for participants 17 years and older.

An awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m. will include the presentation of a Tree City USA designation for the City of Arlington. The award is provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation and recognizes the city’s annual, systematic management of tree resources. Arlington has received this designation for seven consecutive years.