Proclamation
WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS, trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, and countless other wood products; and
WHEREAS, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and
WHEREAS, the City of Merced has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 34th consecutive year and desires to continue its tree-planting practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matthew Serratto, Mayor of the City of Merced, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2023, as ARBOR DAY in the City of Merced, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and further urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
Signed this 20th day of March 2023.
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Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced