On April 7th, four trees were planted at the Osage Centre on behalf of the Cape Girardeau Tree Board and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department in celebration of Arbor Day. This yearly Arbor Day observance is one of the four criteria needed in order for Cape Girardeau to be classified as a Tree City USA community, a nationally-recognized accolade held by over 3,500 communities in the nation and 105 in the state of Missouri. Cape Girardeau has been a Tree City for 24 years.

"The State recognizes Arbor Day on the first Friday of April which is why we celebrate it today and have been for the last 24 years," said Cape Parks and Recreation Division Manager and Tree Board Member Brock Davis.

At the last City Council meeting on April 3rd 2023, April 7th was proclaimed the City of Cape Girardeau's official Arbor Day celebration date.

On Earth Day April 22nd, Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation will celebrate with a Friends of the Parks Day Great Cape Clean Up, where volunteers will plant flower beds, mulch playgrounds, and clean up public parks. Volunteers will be provided with lunch and a free t-shirt. For more information, visit https://www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/parks___recreation/special_events/friends_of_the_park