Title
Special Recognition - 2019 Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim March 23, 2019, 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
Presenters:
Shelly Bentley, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources
Jesse Barham, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development
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 26th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
In 2019, 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 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will include:
• Proper Pruning Workshop
• Live Music by the Artesian Rumble Arkestra
• Celebration and Awards Ceremony
• Ceremonial Tree Planting
• Tour of Downtown Street Trees
• Kids activities
• Free Native Tree/Shrub/Wildflower Seeds
• Self-Guided Tour of Shoreline Native Plants
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No known conflicting interests.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Proclamation
Link to Arbor Day Webpage
Event Flyer