Agenda Item No. 7
CITY OF YUCAIPA
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Raymond Casey, City Manager"'/
Shane Massoud, Public Information Officer/Grants Coordinator FOR: City Council Meeting of March 14, 2022
SUBJECT: Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA Designation — Tree Planting Event RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council review and approve a tree planting event at 5 Winds Ranch to celebrate and honor Arbor Day.
BACKGROUND:
Known as the tree planter's holiday, Arbor Day is a day for people to come together in recognition of the wonders of trees. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals alike join together to plant commemorative trees, hand out free trees, provide education on tree planting and care, and celebrate all the benefits trees provide.
National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area. This celebration of trees, however, is not limited to the U.S., countries around the world celebrate Arbor Day or a similar holiday dedicated to trees.
The Arbor Day Foundation has been inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees since 1972.
And that simple mission has had a global impact. The Foundation has grown over the last 50 years to become the largest member nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. And in that time, we have worked with members, supporters, and a strong network of partners to plant and distribute nearly 500 million trees worldwide.
Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation's oldest programs. The founders had a vision for a greener, healthier America, and hoped this initiative would inspire change on a nationwide level.
The first Tree City USA cohort was comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
A thriving tree planting program publicly demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the quality of life among residents as well as creating a community environment that is an attractive place to live. -177-
City Council Meeting of March 14, 2022
Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA Designation — Tree Planting Event
DISCUSSION:
This past February, staff applied to be a part of the Tree City USA program. This program is an avenue to celebrate the community's dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of life of Yucaipa residents through tree planting efforts.
In honor of Arbor Day and as part of the Ciy's application to become a designated Tree City USA member, staff is recommending that City Council review and approve a tree planning event at 5 Winds Ranch.
Staff is proposing to plant 30 trees along the south side of 5 Winds Ranch near the entrance of the property. This event is an opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day as well as continue our tree planting efforts as defined in the approved 5 Winds Ranch Concept Plan.
Staff is proposing to hold this event on Saturday, April 23`d from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost for this event will be approximately $2,350. This amount will cover all materials needed as well as the cost of 30 five -gallon trees. If approved, staff will reach out to groups that have participated in other such volunteer events in the past but with the understanding that this will be a much smaller event than our annual Make a Difference Day efforts. There is sufficient funding in the FY21/22 Public Works Division Operational Budget.
Attachments: 5 Winds Ranch Concept Plan — Tree Planting Location -178-
City Council Meeting of March 14, 2022
Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA Designation — Tree Planting Event
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