Spruce Up Austin, Inc., partnered with Austin Park and Rec on Friday’s Arbor Day observance to plant a tree – the last – at the Spruce Up Austin Tree Trek, located along the east side of East Side Lake.

But with an ending comes a beginning: The SUA announced its new Tree Trek Adopt a Tree program, that provides an opportunity to adopt a tree along the trek path, through a financial donation to the SUA.

SUA members say a tree can be adopted for a variety of reasons — to honor a loved one; celebrate a special event, such as a birthday; or to recognize some special service. The honoree’s name will be noted on a sign next to the adopted tree.

Trees can be fully adopted for $250, or partially adopted in increments of $50. Proceeds will be used to maintain the Tree Trek. The first to be adopted is the Grace Smoke Tree, in memory of Maureen Momsen by a group of friends.

The Tree Trek is a half-mile trail located along the lake, featuring 75 trees recommended for planting in Minnesota.

Signage along the trek provides additional information about each tree as well as a QR code for more information that can be found online. The installation was gifted to the city of Austin by SUA in 2014 as a thank you for its support of the Tree Trek.

The tree planting project is part of the city of Austin’s annual application for the Tree City USA designation given by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city was awarded the designation again in 2017, making it the 39th year the city earned the award.

The SUA completed its 28th year in 2017. Members have planted 2,740 trees in the Austin community which have provided a value of over a half a million dollars. Its board, volunteers and strong working relationship with businesses and the Austin Park and Recreation Department continue as strengths of the organization.