Local residents observed Arbor Day this past week.

"Steps to Preserving Our Legacy" was held Saturday at the Jay C. Hormel Nature and many turned out to plant trees and raise money for the Nature Center, which is trying to purchase more land to restore.

About 60 trees were planted with the help of Spruce Up Austin members.

In times of state budget woes and hard economic times, it's good to know local citizens aren't letting environmental issues get left behind. Many nature and environmental programs are expecting reductions in funding next year and are concerned they won't be able to provide the same level of service.

By seeing the number of people who came out to plant trees and support the Nature Center, it looks like local residents will find a way to keep these programs going.

It's that extra willingness to help that will sustain valued programs in our area despite reduced funding.