COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dennis Smitherman, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Proclamation Proclaiming April 20 through April 25, 2026, as “Arbor Week”.
The City Council present a Proclamation proclaiming April 20 through 25, 2026, 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 joins the nation in celebration of trees and the impacts they have on our community and the world. The Nation proclaims April 15 of each year as “Arbor Day”. Nationally, 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 wildlife. The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled tree plantings and outdoor education programs for our residents.
While Arbor Day is celebrated nationally at the end of April, this proclamation will set April 20 - 25 as Arbor Week in the City of Santa Maria.
Fiscal Considerations:
Funding to purchase the trees and necessary supplies is provided for in the Recreation and Parks Department’s FY 2025 - 2026 Budget.
Impact to the Community:
Honoring Arbor Week allows t he 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. 2 The City of Santa Maria's Urban Forest contains over 27,000 trees. Some of these are in parks, and others like 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 wit h 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.
Attachment(s): Proclamation