Arbor Day in October Community Event

FLORENCE, OR – The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) is partnering with
the Siuslaw Public Library and Mapleton-based Grow Closer Nursery to host “Arbor Day in October” on Saturday,
October 17, 2026. This will be a fun, hands-on community event celebrating trees, native plants, and environmental
stewardship.

The free event will be held on Saturday, October 17th, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. In the Bromley Room at the Siuslaw
Public Library, 1460 Ninth Street in Florence.

Participants will learn about the importance of trees and native plants while creating their own kokedama, a
traditional Japanese moss ball planter, to take home.

The event is open to everyone and is best suited for participants ages 6 and older, although younger children are
welcome to attend with a parent or caregiver. Reservations are available at https://www.ci.florence.or.us/Arbor
Day. Space is limited to 20 participants.

This partnership brings together local organizations committed to environmental education and hands-on learning. – – –
EMAC will provide educational information about trees and native plants. Learn more at
https://www.ci.florence.or.us/EMAC.

The Siuslaw Public Library, https://www.siuslawlibrary.info/, is providing the Bromley Room as the
community gather space for the event.

Grow Closer Nursery, https://www.growcloser.eco/, is supplying all the materials needed for participants to
create their own kokedama to take home. Based near Mapleton, the nursery specializes in plants locally
native to the central Oregon coast region, pollinator species, and restoration ecology planting. It also carries
plants native to other parts of Oregon.

“Arbor Day in October” is designed to inspire community members of all ages to connect with nature, learn about
the value of native plants, and discover simple ways to bring greenery into their homes and landscapes.
EMAC serves as an advisory body to the City Council and City Manager for the City of Florence. EMAC supports the
development of programs and actions that promote healthy, environmentally sound practices for the city and the
broader community. The committee prioritizes education, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships,
working to strengthen local understanding of environmental issues and advance sustainable solutions.