FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Angela Oslund
SUBJECT: Proclamation – “Arbor Week” March 7 through March 14, 2024
The City Council will recognize March 7 through March 14, 2024, as “Arbor Week” in the City of Santa Maria and invite all residents and businesses to celebrate and take part in the festivities by planting trees and acknowledging the important role trees have in the City.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria is privileged to recognize the State of California’s proclamation on January 26, 2011, proclaiming March 7 to March 14 of each year as “California Arbor Week”. Arbor Day is celebrated throughout the Nation to encourage Americans to maintain and replenish the country’s vast forests, orchards, and woodlands. Arbor Week is celebrated throughout California by urging residents to observe the week with appropriate tree-planting activities and programs.
DISCUSSION:
Founded by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states and recognized in several countries. Arbor Day plays an important role in reminding the public of the many benefits trees provide, including clean air, beautiful communities, and shelter for wildlife.
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department has tree-plantings and outdoor nature excursions planned for the community to educate the residents of Santa Maria about the importance of trees, and the history of Arbor Day.
While Arbor Day is celebrated nationally at the end of April, California celebrates Arbor Day early on March 7th in honor of famed California Horticulturalist Luther Burbank’s birthday. In 2011, the California State Assembly and Senate approved Resolution ACR 10, making California Arbor Day a week-long celebration from March 7 through 14 of every year.
Fiscal Considerations:
Funding to purchase the necessary supplies was made ava ilable within the Recreation and Parks Department’s FY 2023 - 2024 Budget.
2 Impact to the Community:
Honoring Arbor Week allows the entire community to come together and celebrate the many ways trees benefit not only the City, but the entire world. By showing appreciation and commitment to tree conservation, the community sets an example for younger generations to follow, thus ensuring the spirit of the celebration continues.
The City of Santa Maria's Urban Forest contains over 27,000 trees. Some of these are in parks, and others line our City streets.
City trees make our urban neighborhoods more livable. Trees create a buffer from the often-frantic pace of urban life, they aid in cooling our homes, provide habitat for urban wildlife, help reduce the global greenhouse effect , and absorb noise, pollutants, and unpleasant odors. City trees soften the impacts of concrete and asphalt with greenery.
They can buffer noise, block winds, cool temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, replenish oxygen, and filter air and water. An "urban forest" is not just trees, but a biological community closely connected to the human community's quality of life.
Greening the Urban Forest
Improves air quality.
Cleans and protects stormwater runoff.
Creates wildlife habitats.
Increases property value.
Improves public health.
During Arbor Week, the city will continue planting 15-gallon street trees as part of the Cal Fire Urban and Community Forestry Grant. Additionally, over 50 large street trees will be planted during the next few months using the annual street tree budget.
The Recreation and Parks Department has trees available for planting in front of residences within city limits. Residents interested in having a tree planted in the easement at their home may contact the Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925- 0951 extension 2260. The Department staff will also provide regular pruning.
Attachment: Proclamation – Arbor Week