It was windy and chilly on the morning of April 27 but that didn't stop more than 50 Westminster Elementary kids from participating in Arbor Day festivities.

The event was kicked off by Mayor Kevin Utz who read a proclamation stating that April 27 is Arbor Day in Westminster. School Superintendent Stephen Guthrie also attended the event.

The students planted four trees on the front lawn of the school. They were helped by Westminster Tree Commission members Melinda Byrd and Steve Allgeier. Allgeier also runs the Master Gardener Program for the University of Maryland Extension Office. Westminster's very own arborist, Eric Schlitzer, was also on hand to help the students.

Allgeier said that it's important for kids to be a part of the beauification process but also important for them to get their hands dirty by actually planting a tree.

Watch the attached video to hear what else Allgeier and Byrd have to say about the tree planting activity.