THURSDAY, June 4, 2026 |
Photo – Trees for sale – Courtesy City of Rawlins
The City of Rawlins is hosting a tree sale and raffle as part of its annual Arbor Day celebration.
Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees. The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10th, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and within two decades every state except Delaware had adopted the observance. On April 28th, 1972, roughly 100 years after its inception, President Richard Nixon designated Arbor Day as a national holiday.
For 31 years, Rawlins has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, a designation that reflects the city’s commitment to urban forestry and tree care. Parks Superintendent Nate Williams explained that the city is dedicated to the conservation related holiday.
To maintain its Tree City USA status, Rawlins must hold an annual Arbor Day celebration. This year’s event takes place tomorrow and Saturday, June 5th and 6th. Parks Superintendent Williams said the city will be selling trees, stickers, and raffle tickets to support future urban‑forestry projects. In addition, Williams said food trucks and a bounce house will be set up outside the Rawlins Family Recreation Center.
Roughly 80 climate‑appropriate trees and bushes will be on sale during the Arbor Day celebration. Williams said he’s also included grape vines, which aren’t typical for the area’s conditions, but are proven to do well here.
Prices range from $20 for grape vines to $100 for more established trees. Williams said the city does not profit from the tree sales.
The fundraising portion of the Arbor Day celebration comes from the tree raffle and sticker sales. Williams said sticker prices vary widely, but they primarily serve as a way for residents to contribute to the city’s tree planting efforts.
The city’s Arbor Day celebration will take place at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center located at 1616 Harshman Street. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Parks department staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on tree selection and care.
