HALES CORNERS-- Third graders from Edgerton Elementary were on hand to help with the annual Arbor Day planting at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Before the students got started, they read their wishes for the trees they planted-- many of them wrote \"I hope you grow to be big and strong.\"

It's tradition to plant trees and beautify your community each Arbor Day, and for local officials who take part in the festivities, like Milwaukee County Supervisor, Steve Taylor, the holiday serves as an important reminder.

\"Our environment, and our parks are extremely important to this county, and to be out there and see them enjoying it the way they are, seeing the kids, it makes you realize you've got to make the right decisions when you're dealing with park land,\" said Taylor.

After planting, all the kids went on a tree walk at the gardens.  Boerner Botanical Gardens officially opens for the season tomorrow.