HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 17, 2004 D-02cABED^ ITEM 1)* 1 n Cr
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AGENDA TITLE: Arbor Day Proclamation
MEETING DATE: March 17, 2004
PREPAiRED BY: Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMIENDED ACTION: That Mayor Hansen presents a proclamation proclaiming Arbor Day
in the City of Lodi.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Arbor Day is an annual observation that celebrates the role of trees
in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal
holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree -planting
festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared
throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.
The ideas of Arbor Day in the United States originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Among the pioneers
moving into the Nebraska Territory in 1854 was Julius Sterling Morton from Detroit. Mr. Morton and his
wife, Caroline, were lovers of nature, and the home they established in Nebraska was quickly planted
with trees. Mr. Morton was a journalist and soon became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper. This
allowed him to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to his readers. His fellow
pioneers missed their trees and needed them for windbreaks, fuel, building materials and shade. In
1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by J. Sterling Morton "to set aside one day to
plant trees, both forest and fruit." The Board declared April 10th, Arbor Day and offered prizes to the
counties and individuals that properly planted the largest number of trees on that day. More than one
million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
Shortly after this 1872 observance, other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day each year with
appropriate ceremonies. By 1920, more than 45 states were celebrating Arbor Day. Today, Arbor Day is
celebrated in all fifty states.
The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National
Association of State Foresters, recognizes towns and cities across America that would meet the
standards of the Tree City USA program. Standard 4 requires Tree City USA applicants to hold an Arbor
Day observance which can be simple and brief or an all -lay or all week observance. A proclamation
issued by the mayor must accompany the observance and declare the observance of Arbor Day in the
community.
On March 3, 2004, City staff received verbal confirmation from the National Arbor Day Foundation that
the City of Lodi is now designated as a Tree City USA for the second consecutive year.
Staff would like to invite the City Council and the members of the community to this year's Arbor Day
celebration. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Lodi Lake Park.
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn, City Manager
FUNDING: Noris needed
Tony hri ,
Pants and Recreation Director
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cc: City Attorney
Community Davdopment Director
Pubk Works Director
PRE5ENF
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A GkEATAMERICAN COMMUNITY EVENT
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fown - 2PM
Free Tree Seedling Giveaway
en C-lub Presentation
Tree City USA Dedication
SpHnq Cleanup MatetiakAvailable
Arbor Pay Pe4icationwith A Tree Planting Demonstration
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