Shawn Keenan of Farmington hands a hot dog to Janine Winn of Temple Saturday afternoon, May 25, during an Arbor Day event at Walton’s Mill Park in West Farmington. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

FARMINGTON — Farmington Conservation Commission members recognized Arbor Day Saturday afternoon, May 25, with a tree planting and more at Walton’s Mill Park.

This is the 47th year Farmington has been designated a Tree City USA, Maine State Forester Patty Cormier, who is a member of the commission told those gathered. “Farmington is one of 41 Tree Cities in the state,” she said. “It is amazing given that Farmington has no paid staff.”

The town has to pay a certain amount on tree care to be a Tree City USA, Bill Haslam, commission chair stated. Arbor Week was traditionally in April, weather is such that trees can’t be planted in Maine then, he noted. A petition was circulated to change the timing, today is the last day of Arbor Week, he said.

When planting trees, it is best to remove the burlap and other materials from the root ball, Cormier said.

Farmington Conservation Commission members from left Jack Clark and Bill Haslam look on Saturday afternoon, May 25, as Colin Woodman and Solomon Bobson place soil in the hole where a tree is being planted at Walton’s Mill Park in Farmington. Seen behind her grandson during the Arbor Day event is Jane Woodman. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Solomon Bobson and Colin Woodman, boys from Farmington shoveled soil around the tree while commission members Jack Clark and Peter Tracy made sure the trunk was straight. Stakes were then pounded into the ground and plastic wire strung around the tree to help keep it in position.

“We had to go to the southern part of the state to find a tree this large,” commission member Jane Woodman said.

Selectman Richard Morton arrived while the tree was being planted. “Thank you for your efforts,” he said.

“Matt Foster, director of Parks and Recreation was instrumental in picking a spot for us to plant the tree,” Haslam noted.

Matilda Holt brought two goats for attendees to visit and pet.

Two year old Max Woodman of Farmington looks up from petting Ruby and her son Boots at right Saturday afternoon, May 25, during an Arbor Day event at Walton’s Mill Park in Farmington. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Goats eat invasive species and other unwanted plants. Clark owns Grazing Glory Maine and provides information on how goats and sheep can be used in maintaining one’s lawn or property.

Tree walks were offered and sheets on how to identify different species were available.

Shawn Keenan, husband of commission member Sally Speich grilled hot dogs. Cold water, Rice Krispy treats and homemade banana cake were also available.

“I think this might be our best attended Arbor Day,” Jane Woodman said.