More than 300 volunteers came out to Bellevue parks Saturday to plant 1,000 trees and shrubs, restore trails and pull weeds as part of the city’s Arbor Day celebration, topped off at Kelsey Creek Park with the noon ceremonial planting of a red leaf maple.

“We’re celebrating trees, their legacy and the beauty they create,” said Bellevue Councilmember John Stokes, who provided remarks during Saturday’s event.

While Arbor Day was weeks ago, the city wanted its celebration to coincide with Saturday’s plantings and park maintenance, and Mayor Claudia Balducci proclaimed May 3 the city’s Arbor Day back in early April. The city also celebrates its 23rd year as a Tree City USA Award recipient.

The noon event included a presentation of colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2995 color guard. An Earth Day Family Festival was also held at Kelsey Creek Park.