FARMINGTON — The state will observe Maine Arbor Week next week with events that include presentation of a state forestry award in Farmington.

Farmington and the Farmington Conservation Commission will host the Project Canopy’s Maine Arbor Week celebration as presented by the Maine Forest Service and GrowSmart Maine.

The celebration begins with a reception at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the North Church, 118 High St. The ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. Guest speakers are Walter Whitcomb from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Doug Denico, director of Maine Forest Service. 

The 2014 Frank Knight Excellence in Community Forest Award will be presented by the Maine Forest Service to Jeff Tarling, Portland’s city arborist.

The Farmington Conservation Commission will also present Appreciation Awards to local businesses and residents who have assisted in upholding Farmington’s ability to continue to be a Tree City USA municipality with numerous volunteer hours.

The town has been a Tree City USA municipality for 37 years. The Farmington Conservation Commission, under the leadership of forester Pete F. Tracy and state forester Patty Cormier, has planted, pruned and maintained trees in towns parks, the Mallett School, the Franklin County Court House and area cemeteries.

For more information on Maine Forest Service’s Project Canopy and the GrowSmart Maine, contact Jan Santerre at [email protected].

Those who would like to volunteer for any Conservation Committee projects in Farmington may contact Pete Tracy at [email protected].