WARREN, Ark. – Bradley County’s annual Arbor Day celebration took place Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. on the campus of Brunson Elementary School in Warren. The event was organized by the Warren Woman’s Club in partnership with the Warren School District and the City of Warren. Warren Woman’s Club member Jenelle Lipton served as a major organizer for this year’s celebration.
Warren Woman’s Club President Jonalyn Reep opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and offering introductions. Reverend Ricky Rauls, pastor of Free Will Baptist Church, provided the invocation, followed by the presentation of colors conducted by Warren High School ROTC members Alliana Ayala, Mia Johnson, Isabell Davis, and Julia Jaimes. Bradley County veterans then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gregg Reep officially proclaimed the day as Arbor Day in Warren, while State Representative Jeff Wardlaw delivered remarks highlighting the importance of tree planting and environmental stewardship.
As part of the tradition, the Warren Woman’s Club presented a redbud tree to the school. The City of Warren’s street department staff planted the tree near the Brunson campus the day before the ceremony. Pictured at the planting were City of Warren employees Scott Steadman, Bruce Baker, Monty Hearnsberger, Jeff Savage, and James Norrell. The redbud tree, known for its brilliant pink and purple spring blooms, was selected at the school district’s request and symbolizes renewal and the beauty of nature.
Arbor Day, first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872, promotes tree planting and care as a way to enhance communities and the environment. Its founder, J. Sterling Morton, envisioned a day set aside to encourage individuals and groups to plant trees for future generations. Today, Arbor Day is recognized across the United States and in countries around the world.
The Warren Woman’s Club remains deeply committed to preserving the environment and helping make Bradley County cleaner and greener. The City of Warren’s status as a designated Tree City USA is a testament to those ongoing efforts, with the Warren Woman’s Club proud to support the city’s initiatives through activities like the annual Arbor Day celebration.
