MATTAPOISETT — A magnolia tree has been planted at the Mattapoisett Police station, bringing beauty to the site and honor to the town’s first responders.

On an unseasonably chilly Arbor Day, which is celebrated Friday, April 29, employees of the Highway Department dug a hole and planted the tree in the front lawn of the station. 

The planting was overseen by members of the Mattapoisett Tree Committee, which aims to increase, maintain and protect the health and diversity of the town’s trees.

On Saturday, April 30, a plaque is scheduled to be unveiled near the tree to salute first responders. 

Although the tree is located at the police station, the building is adjacent to the fire station and honors all emergency personnel, Police Chief Jason King said.

“It’s great that the Tree Committee was thinking of us,’’ the chief said. “The support from the community, having the town behind us, it’s exciting.’’

The Tree Committee was busy Friday. In addition to sponsoring the tree planting at the station, committee members also helped hoist a flag at Mattapoisett Town Hall to commemorate Arbor Day, which celebrates the importance of planting trees. 

The flag will fly at Town Hall through the weekend.

Mattapoisett has served as an official tree city for 14 years, said Sandy Hering, chair of the Tree Committee.

Hosting events such as the flag raising and tree planting “brings awareness to the fact that trees are very important to our community.’’

The committee also sponsors an annual poster contest that encourages fifth grade students at Old Hammondtown School to use their creativity to reflect the importance of trees. 

Trees have great value, committee member Michael Immel explained. They provide shade during the heat and control dust, due to their mass and surface area, he noted.

And, he said, “they look beautiful.’’

Committee member Barbara Poznysz said that trees also bolster mental health, noting that people feel “reinvigorated’’ after walking in the woods. 

For select board and tree committee member Jodi Lynn Bauer, the police station tree serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and hard work of first responders, particularly during the covid-19 crisis.

“The magnolia is going to be absolutely beautiful,’’ she said. “And years later, when covid is gone, people will be able to look at that plaque and remember that year when essential workers still came out to protect our town and keep our town safe.’’

Planting a tree is a gift to the future, Hering said. She hopes the next generations will “appreciate the trees we plant now.’’