WHEREAS, in 1594, the Spanish village of Mondoñedo celebrated the first documented Arbor Day and in 1805, the Spanish village of Villanueva de la Sierra celebrated the first modern day Arbor Day, organized by local priest Don Ramón Vacas Roxo who was convinced of the importance of trees for health, hygiene, decoration, nature, environment, and customs; and
WHEREAS, in 1872, Nebraska City celebrated the first Arbor Day in the United States , organized by journalist Julius Sterling Morton who led the charge in the planting o f approximately 1 million trees, 98 years before it became a federal holiday in 1970 under President Nixon; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of a healthy urban forest include improved air quality, storm water filtration, and a reduction in carbon dioxide, crime, energy consumption, heat island effect, and ozone formation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is committed to urban reforestation, takes great pride in its beautification projects; and is requesting recertification as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is developing the Urban Greening Plan, a master document to guide and coordinate future greening projects that includes a living list of approved street trees, tree inventory, and urban forest best practices appendix; and
WHEREAS, the City of R ichmond expresses its sincere appreciation to the Public Works Department’s Parks and Landscaping Division , which improves the quality of life for all residents through the efforts and dedication of its members and the community; and
WHEREAS, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Parks Maintenance Division, Groundwork Richmond, and the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee will engage in a tree planting project at Lucas Park at the corner of Lucas Ave and 10th Street.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Richmond City Council does hereby declare October 21, 2023, as Arbor Day in the City of Richmond and urges residents to participate in Arbor Day by planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees.
CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
P R O C L A M A T I O N
Declaring October 21, 2023, as Arbor Day
___________________________
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond, California
October 21, 2023