City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: April 21, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommendation
Proclaim April 22, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Vernon.
Background
Arbor Day traces its roots to Nebraska in 1872, when journalist and conservationist J. Sterling Morton proposed the first celebration, resulting in the planting of over one million trees. Today, all 50 states recognize Arbor Day as an occasion for environmental stewardship through the planting, protection, and preservation of urban and rural forests.
The City has steadily expanded its urban forest to improve air quality, enhance the appearance of our streets and neighborhoods, and promote environmental health. Central to that effort is the City's ongoing participation in the Tree City USA program, administered by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The program gives communities a structured framework for managing and growing their public tree canopy.
This year, the City is partnering with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Opera to host an Arbor Day celebration on April 22, 2026, at Vernon City Elementary School.
The event will bring together environmental education and the performing arts, giving students and community members a meaningful experience centered on tree planting and stewardship.
The City is currently pursuing its seventh consecutive Tree City USA designation. To remain eligible, the City must meet four core standards, one of which is the official proclamation and observance of Arbor Day by the City Council. Proclaiming April 22, 2026, as Arbor Day satisfies that requirement and keeps the City on track for its 2026 application. A separate agenda item covering the formal application submission is scheduled for the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Proclamation – 2026 Arbor Day