Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Arbor Day
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim March 14, 2020, 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, Public Work Water Resources
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
On Arbor Day, we honor trees and forests for their contribution to our society and community. Trees and forests contribute to Olympia’s aesthetics, urban fabric and unique ecology. 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 27th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
In 2020, 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 Percival Landing Park. Festivities will take place on Saturday March 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will include:
• A talk by Evergreen Forest Ecology Professor Dylan Fischer
• Live Music by the Artesian Rumble Arkestra
• Celebration and Awards Ceremony
• Ceremonial Tree Planting
• Proper Pruning Workshop
• Kids activities
• Free Native Tree/Shrub/Wildflower Seeds
• Self-Guided Tour of Shoreline Native Plants
• Ask a City arborist your tree related questions
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known.
Options:
NA
Financial Impact:
NA
Attachments:
Proclamation
Link to Arbor Day Webpage
Event Flyer