EVANSVILLE, Ind. — To celebrate 20 years as a Tree City USA community, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be planting 20 trees in Vann Park in a ceremony on the city's birthday.

These 20 trees will round out the 100 the city plans to plant in and around the park area leading up to the 1 p.m. March 27 ceremony, according to a release from the City of Evansville.

City Arborist Shawn Dickerson and the Department of Urban Forestry will plant 80 additional trees while Winnecke and community members will plant the 20 trees during the ceremony in Vann Park — on Bayard Drive. The community is encouraged to attend.

More:Officials: Parts of Evansville indoor swimming pool project must be rebid

More:Shriners not doing air show in Evansville this summer; different event being developed

More:17 things to do this weekend, into next week in Evansville area

"Our urban tree canopy is one of Evansville's most important assets," Winnecke said. "It helps clean the air we breathe and water we drink, prevents flooding, provides shade and beauty for our properties, lowers overall energy use and production and is a source of joy and spirituality. We are proud of our long-time designation as a Tree City USA community and will continue working with residents and community partners to protect and grow our canopy.”

Trees will be provided by the City's Tree Nursery, where there are currently 30 species.

"This is an excellent opportunity to honor our former city leaders who supported Tree City USA and the Department of Urban Forestry," Dickerson said. "The ceremony will also serve as our Arbor Day observance for 2020."

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, and provides direction, technical assistance, public attention and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns.