URBAN FOREST GROWS LARGER 30,000TH TREE WILL BE PLANTED.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - The city's 30,000th tree will be planted today as part of the 15th annual Arbor Day Celebration at Santa Clarita Central Park.

Live music, environmental exhibits, activities for children and a compost workshop all will be a part of the festivities.

City Council members will help plant the 30,000th tree, a 48-inch magnolia, to mark the celebration.

``In addition, we're planting more than 100 trees that day,'' said Robert Sartain, urban forestry supervisor and city arborist. ``We're also planting our Christmas tree, and there will be Christmas tree mulch, about 1,000 bags for those who attend. We're also giving away more than 1,000 trees that range from one- to five-gallon.''

Each year, the city tries to plant 1,000 trees and provides education and workshops for the community. Last year, the city planted 1,300 trees using money from a grant it received, Sartain said.

As a result, Santa Clarita has been designated a Tree City USA once again this year by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

``This year's record number of Tree City USA communities shows a growing level of dedication and care for our urban forests,'' John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation, said in a prepared statement. ``It shows the people of Santa Clarita value trees for the beauty, grace, comfort and practical blessings they bring.

The ceremonial tree planting will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road. Arbor Day festivities will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

``We really want to be a hands-on event for everyone,'' Sartain said. ``Children can come and plant a few flowers and leave with some memories.''

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com