The City of Mesa and several community partners participated in a tree planting yesterday at Skyline Park. Members of Mesa City Council joined more than 35 volunteers from The Boeing Company and Shutterfly, the title sponsors who donated the trees, as well as Skyline High School, West Coast Arborists and Arizona Sustainability Alliance to plant 20 trees.
"The Trees Are Cool initiative is about collaboration and community engagement--the only way we'll be successful in reaching our goal of one million trees by 2050 is if everyone gets involved," said Mayor John Giles. "The Skyline tree planting event is a great example of how residents, community organizations, public and private institutions can all play a role in adding to Mesa's tree canopy and keeping our community cool."
Before planting, Skyline High School students were also treated to career presentations from the participating organizations. The timing of the event is particularly fitting since Arbor Day, a day to celebrate trees, is Friday, April 28.
"With the support from our community partners on this Skyline Park tree planting project, the City of Mesa can carry out our commitment to proactively and responsibly protect and conserve Mesa's environment and natural resources," said Councilmember Goforth.
"Sustainability is one of Shutterfly's top priorities. As a company that uses trees for so many of our products, we know how valuable they are as a commodity but how important they are for the environment," said Kierstan Thomann, Shutterfly's Corporate Sustainability Manager. "Participating in the Skyline Tree Event gives us the chance to make a positive impact and extend our focus on sustainability beyond our doors into our communities."
The 20 new trees planted at Skyline Park will be counted in Mesa's Trees Are Cool initiative, with the goal of planting one million trees in Mesa by 2050. The initiative aims to increase shade across Mesa and cool our neighborhoods.
"The Boeing Company remains committed to supporting efforts that have a positive impact on our planet, the Mesa community and future generations," said Christina Upah, Vice President of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Mesa Site Executive. "Mesa's Trees are Cool initiative aligns perfectly with our company's environmental sustainability efforts and we are proud to be here and ready to work."
Arbor Day and the Trees Are Cool Initiative aligns with Mesa City Council's strategic priorities of Sustainable Environment and Neighborhoods and Placemaking.
For more information, visit https://www.mesalistens.com/trees-are-cool.