Landscape expo adds kids events

While the grown-ups are learning all about tree care and desert landscaping during the annual Tree and Landscape Expo, their children will be doing fun stuff.

Madagascar hissing cockroach races, a tree rigging demo and the chance to make a worm farm will keep the children entertained as part of this year's Tree Kids Program.

Attendees may also participate in a raffle for such prizes as plants, tools and gifts from various nurseries all the way up to $400 worth of yard cleanup and a $600 outdoor lighting system.

Then there's the mouth-watering tri-tip lunch.

All this will happen during the 2009 Yuma Tree and Landscape Expo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive.

"We planned more fun into this year's expo," said Dave Faires, urban forestry supervisor with the city of Yuma.

This year's event is tailored to both professionals and at-home do-it-yourselfers. Topics to be covered include desert irrigation, tree pruning, help with common landscaping problems, desert landscaping, designs for landscaping and more.

Exhibitors will have information and demonstration on construction materials, plants, landscape contractors, outdoor living and more.

Adults wishing to bring along their children ages 4-12 for this year's Tree Kids Program are asked to register them in advance by calling Yuma Parks and Recreation at 373-5243 or visiting the Parks and Recreation office on the first floor of City Hall, One City Plaza, during city business hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

That's also where adults can purchase tickets for $7 each, including the tri-tip lunch. Children 12 and under get in free with a $7 paid adult admission. Tickets are $4 each for admission without lunch.

The Yuma Tree and Landscape Expo is sponsored by the city of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department and Yuma Community Tree Board in partnership with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona Public Service Co., Sun Media, El Dorado Broadcasters and the Arizona Community Tree Council.