COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks
DATE: April 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Proclamation – “Arbor Day” - April 25, 2025
The City Council will recognize April 25, 2025, as “Arbor Day” 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 joins the Nation in celebrating of trees and the impacts they have on our community and the world. National Arbor Day is observed the last Friday in April.
This year, Arbor Day falls on April 25, 2025. In celebration, Americans are encouraged to plant, maintain, and appreciate the country’s vast forests, orchards, and woodlands.
DISCUSSION:
Founded by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day plays an important role in reminding the public of the many benefits trees provide, including clean air, beautiful communities, and shelter for w ildlife. The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled tree plantings and outdoor education programs for our residents. Seven trees were planted in a special tree program that took place at Alvin School with over 30 students participating.
Impact to the Community:
Honoring Arbor Day 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 located in parks, and others are planted in our City streets and rights of way. 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 tr ees, but a biological community closely connected to the human community's quality of life.
Proclamation requested by: Recreation & Parks Department
Attachment(s): Proclamation