HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 2, 2003 D-02gbCiTy oF LODI
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AGENDA TITLE: Arbor Day Proclamation
METING DATE: April 2, 2003
PREPARED : larks and Recreation Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Mayor Hitchcock present a proclamation proclaiming "Arbor Dray" in
the City of Lodi.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Arbor Day is an annual observation that celebrates the reale of tree
in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal
holiday, it was fiat observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree
planting festivals are as cold as civilization. The tree has appeared
throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.
The idea 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. Marton 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 hire to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to his readers; His fellow
pioneers missed their trees and needed there 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 10, Arbor Day and offeree[ 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 1 872 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 stars.
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 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 -day or all -week observance. A proclamation issued
by the mayor must accompany the observance and declare the observance of Arbor Clay in the
community.
On March 20, 2000, City staff received verbal confirmation from the National Arbor Day Foundation that
the City of Lodi is now designated as a Tree City USA.
. Dixon Flynn - City Manager
CITY OF LODI
COUNCILI
81aff.would We to invite thO City Gouncil and the members of the cemmunit�r to thr year's rbor Day
f ration, This year's v t Iii'l be hold on April 5, 463 af. Lodi Lake Park
Prepared by Steve Dutra, Parks Superintendent
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m City >Attorney
Public Works Director
Community Development Director
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Roger Baltz
P and Recreation Director
H. Dixon Flynn -.- City Managifs
03114/63