Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Arbor Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize Saturday, October 5, 2024, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Saturday, October 5, 2024, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3957
Jasen Johns, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter(s):
Jasen Johns, Urban Forestry Program Manager
Kym Foley, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we celebrate trees for their many contributions toward healthy, safe and livable communities. Forests are a critical part of our urban fabric, providing a sense of place for all who live, work and play here.
Furthermore, urban forests are shown to provide a long list of economic, environmental, cultural, and public health benefits that together are worth millions of dollars, including (but not limited to):
• Carbon sequestration and slowing the impacts of climate change
• Cleaner air and water
• Flood control and slope stabilization
• Reduction of urban heat islands and heat-related illness
• Traffic calming
• Increased pedestrian and bicycle activity
• Habitat for fish and wildlife
• Improved mental health
• Honoring Indigenous history and ongoing stewardship
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 31st year of being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Hosting an Arbor Day event is one of several requirements toward receiving this annual certification.
In 2024, 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 downtown at the Heritage Fountain. Festivities will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will include:
• Ask-an-arborist booth
• Urban forest management planning info table
• Community-based resources & tabling
• Kids activities and art projects
• Native plant giveaway
• Presentation of the Jay Butts “Friends of Trees” 2024 Award
Section PL7.4 of the Comprehensive Plan describes a goal to “Increase the area of urban green space and tree canopy within each neighborhood proportionate to increased population in that neighborhood.” Furthermore, community values and vision for the natural environment include “a dense tree canopy that will beautify our downtown and neighborhoods, and improve the health, environmental quality, and economy of our city.” Arbor Day is an important, community-based recognition of the continuation of these Citywide goals.
Climate Analysis
Trees play a role in climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience. They sequester carbon, release oxygen, and reduce the urban heat island effect. Thoughtful management of trees on both private and public properties is necessary to keep our forests healthy and thriving in a changing climate. This event is an opportunity to share information about the role trees can (and can’t) play in addressing climate change, and ways community members can help keep forests healthy. This information may include tips for caring for trees to ensure a long healthy life, selecting the best tree species for current and anticipated growing conditions, and volunteer opportunities for planting trees in public parks with Olympia’s Parks Stewardship Program.
Equity Analysis
The benefits and complications associated with urban trees are not distributed equitably across communities. This challenge will be addressed by Olympia’s Urban Forestry and Habitat Stewardship staff over the next several years through the Comprehensive Plan update process and in the development of an Urban Forest Management Plan. Arbor Day is a great opportunity to connect directly with our community and hear from them which benefits and burdens they experience from street trees, trees on private properties, in parks, near schools, etc. It is also important to understand how forests are important to people culturally, and to recognize these critical connections between people and places, especially for those who are a part of Indigenous communities.
Attachments:
Proclamation