Title
Special Recognition - Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to proclaim April 16, 2016 as Arbor Day in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our community.
Staff Contact:
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Michelle Bentley, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8258
Presenter(s):
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner
Michelle Bentley, Associate Planner
Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we honor trees for their contribution to our society. Trees and forests are part of the fabric and identity of our community. In a City the size of Olympia, trees provide ecological services that are worth literally millions of dollars such as:
• Air filtration
• Stormwater retention
• Carbon sequestration
• Erosion control
• Slope stabilization
• Moderation of urban microclimate
• Shading our creeks, shorelines, and wetlands
• Providing wildlife habitat
Trees also provide psychological, social, health and safety benefits that are not easy to quantify.
The City of Olympia is committed to creating a sustainable urban environment through managing and improving this valuable natural resource. Three City departments (Community Planning and Development; Parks, Arts, and Recreation; and Public Works) and other community partners are collaborating on a variety of events to celebrate Arbor Day in 2016 including:
• Celebrating in Priest Point Park with a Tree Canopy Adventure to ascend 100 feet into historic, old-growth trees while enjoying the tree top environment with expert arborists. Certified staff from Expedition Old Growth will make the experience both safe and memorable.
• Four one-hour, hands-on and interactive workshops offered by experts on topics from landscaping with native plants, proper planting and pruning techniques, aquatic habitat stewardship and a guided forest tour.
• Trees being planted in the park at each of the workshops.
• A mid-day celebration at Kitchen Shelter 4 in Priest Point Park with music and refreshments.
• The presentation by Washington State Forester to City staff of the 23rd consecutive National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Award, which is given to a person for outstanding dedication and commitment to the planting, maintenance and preservation of trees in Olympia. The recipient of the award has not been determined.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known.
Financial Impact:
None
Attachments:
Arbor Day Proclamation