Title
Special Recognition - 2018 Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim March 17, 2018 as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day and the importance of trees and native forests to our community.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter(s):
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner,
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we honor trees for their contribution to our society. Trees and forests contribute to the aesthetics, urban fabric and unique ecology forming the identity of our community. In a City the size of Olympia, trees and other native vegetation provide ecological functions that are worth literally millions of dollars such as:
• Air filtration and carbon sequestration
• Stormwater retention
• Erosion control and slope stabilization
• Moderation of urban microclimate
• Shading our creeks, shorelines, and wetlands while providing wildlife habitat
Trees also provide psychological, social, health and safety benefits.
The City of Olympia is committed to creating a sustainable urban environment through preserving, managing and improving this valuable natural resource. This is Olympia’s 25th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation!
In 2018 three City departments (Community Planning and Development; Parks, Arts and Recreation; and Public Works) are collaborating on a variety of events to celebrate Arbor Day at LBA Park and the recently acquired LBA Woods. Festivities will take place on Saturday March 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will include:
• A 90-minute guided bird walk with Black Hills Audubon
• Workshops on Invasive Plants of Local Forests, Proper Pruning Techniques and a Self-Guided Forest Ecology Tour. There will also be a Stewardship Event planting native trees and shrubs and managing invasive plants.
• A free native tree will be available for participants in the stewardship event.
• A mid-day celebration at the shelter in LBA Park with music and refreshments which will include:
o Reading of the Arbor Day proclamation.
o The City will recognize the 2018 Jay Butts Friends of Trees Award recipient, which is given to persons for outstanding dedication and commitment to stewardship of trees and native vegetation in Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No known conflicting interests.
Options:
None
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Proclamation
Event Flyer
Link to Arbor Day information