Mesa celebrates Arbor Day

April 23, 2019 at 9:30 am

MESA, ARIZ. - The City of Mesa has designated Friday, April 26 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 members from the Nature Conservancy and Arizona State University's Urban Climate Research Center attended to help read the proclamation. These two organizations have been working with other scientists in a Mesa neighborhood on climate research and heat action planning to define ways to reduce urban heat and its impact on health and safety in our communities.

"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 create cooler walkable connections from neighborhoods to school, work, or transportation routes." 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 26, 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.

The City is also coordinating a tree planting at Aripine Park, 915 S. Horne on Thursday, April 25 with Holmes Elementary students. The park is located across the street from the school.

For the ninth 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