Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman and the Mesa City Council have officially proclaimed April 25 as Arbor Day in Mesa. The proclamation shines light on the Citys continued commitment to tree planting and long-term tree care in recognition of the nationally celebrated observance. Arbor Day, founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April.
"Arbor Day is all about recognizing the important role trees play in our city," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "Trees don't just clean our air and water they also provide much-needed shade, making it easier and cooler to walk from neighborhoods to schools, work or transit."
In addition to the proclamation, Mesa continues to promote its Trees Are Cool Initiative, a long-term effort to plant 1,000,000 trees by 2050, helping to cool neighborhoods, improve air quality and create a healthier, more resilient city. The program focuses on planting in areas with low tree canopy by engaging with residents, nonprofits, schools, businesses and community groups.
As part of this year's Arbor Day celebration, Councilmembers Goforth, Heredia and Spilsbury will team up with nine community volunteers to visit 12 Mesa elementary schools on Friday, April 25. During their visits, theyll read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss to third-grade students, and each will receive Blue Palo Verde seeds to germinate and plant as part of a hands-on lesson plan.
In collaboration with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA), the Tree Stewards program continues to make a meaningful impact on Mesa. This spring, the stewards and other community volunteers planted nearly 200 trees at Sherwood Park, Whittier Elementary and the surrounding neighborhood. These areas were chosen based on low Tree Equity Scores, as measured by American Forests. The Tree Stewards Program offers free training on urban forestry and tree care, plus free trees for participants to plant in their neighborhoods. Get information about the next Tree Steward Program at upcoming virtual information sessions athttps://my.mesaaz.gov/43Pax8R.
"Creating a greener and cooler community will take a commitment from all of us residents, schools, businesses and the City," said Stephen Addison, Mesa's Urban Forest Program Manager. "We are off to a great start, with plenty of time to collaborate and plant. Working together, we can grow our tree canopy and help cool our neighborhoods. Theres no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by planting trees."
The City also wrapped up its second year of the Mesa Shade Tree Program in March. In partnership with Trees Matter, Mesa residents in targeted neighborhoods, including the Mesa Electric Utility service area, received up to two free desert-adapted trees (217 Mesa households received a total of 418 trees) along with in-person training on planting, watering and care.
For the 15th consecutive year, the City of Mesa has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. This designation recognizes Mesa's leadership in tree care, planting efforts, and environmental stewardship.
To learn more about Arbor Day and to find more tree tips and ideas, visit mesaaz.gov/arborday.
Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) is a nonprofit organization working to create and support cutting-edge, project-based sustainability solutions throughout Arizona. By collaborating with communities, schools, and local governments, AZSA focuses on urban forestry, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and water conservation to build a more sustainable future for all Arizonans.
Trees Matter is a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and promoting an increased tree canopy in the Valley. Through education, community programs, and advocacy, Trees Matter works to improve public health, foster environmental awareness, and create greener, more livable communities across Arizona.