HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 2, 2005 D-02aAGENDA ITEM lal*P 204
CITY OF LODI
,. COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Arbor Day Proclamation
MEETING DATE: March 2, 2005
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Mayor Beckman present a proclamation declaring 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 a symbol of life.
According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, 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. 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 to be 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, Tree City USA Certification Application, requires applicants 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 Day in the community.
On February 15, 2005, 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 third consecutive year, based on last year's
activities. Staff would like to invite the City Council and members of the community to this year's Arbor Day
celebration. This year's event will include the Tokay High School Interact Club assisting with tree planting and
will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2005, at Blakely Park.
FUNDING: None needed.
Richard C. Prima, Jr.
Public Works Director
Prepared by George M. Bradley, Street Superintendent
RCP/GMB/RF/dsg
cc: Stephen Schwabauer, City Attorney Rad Bartlam, Community Development Director Tony Goehring, Parks & Recreation Director
Steve Dutra, Parks Superintendent Ray Fye, Tree Operations Supervisor
APPROVED:.
Blair King, ' Manager
J ACOUN Cl LI05WborDayProdamati on. doc 212312005