Mesa celebrates Arbor Day

April 16, 2018 at 6:00 pm

The City of Mesa has designated Friday, April 27 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, 6th grade students from Superstition Springs Elementary helped to write the proclamation and will read it at the April 16 Mesa City Council meeting. The students took on a Scholastic Eco Challenge this year with a goal to plant more trees locally. They are hoping the proclamation will inspire others to plant trees, and the students are also organizing a tree planting at Monterey Park, 7045 E. Monterey Ave., located right next to their school.

"Arbor Day is a great day to celebrate and promote the significant role trees play in our urban environments. Not only do they help to clean the air and water, but even more importantly, they provide shade that helps to cool our homes and neighborhoods." Environmental and Sustainability Deputy Director Laura Hyneman said. "Celebrating Arbor Day shows that our community values trees not just for their beauty but for their numerous health and environmental benefits as well."

On April 27, 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 eighth 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/sustainability.

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