Mesa celebrates Arbor Day

April 28, 2016 at 12:34 pm

The City of Mesa has designated Friday, April 29 as Arbor Day to celebrate the City's commitment to tree care and planting programs. In honor of the nationally-celebrated observance, Mayor John Giles has issued an Arbor Day Proclamation. This year staff from The Boeing Company were invited to the Mayor's office to witness the signing of the proclamation. The staff had recently volunteered their time with the City's Celebrate Mesa and Living Green Village event where they assisted with a "Tree Hugging Booth" and other sustainability exhibits.

"Arbor Day promotes how trees in Mesa help clean the air and water, conserve soil, and reduce heating and cooling costs by moderating temperatures," Environmental and Sustainability Deputy Director Laura Hyneman said. "Celebrating Arbor Day shows that our community values trees not only for their beauty but for their numerous health and environmental benefits as well."

On April 29, the City is deploying staff and community volunteers to read "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss to third grade classes in 24 classrooms at Mesa Public Schools. Blue Palo Verde seed packets (our Arizona State Tree) will also be distributed to the students as part of a planting curriculum. "The Lorax," first published in 1971, chronicles the plight of the Lorax who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler. It has become a popular metaphor for those concerned about the human impact on the environment.

For the sixth consecutive year, The City of Mesa has been named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbor Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April. Residents can learn more about Arbor Day and how to properly select, plant and maintain their trees by visiting www.mesaaz.gov/residents/sustainability/arbor-day.

Environmental Management & Sustainability
Contact: Mariano Reyes
Tel. 480-644-5005
mariano.reyes@mesaaz.gov