Title
Special Recognition - 2022 Arbor Day Proclamation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim Saturday, October 8, 2022, as Arbor Day in Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize Arbor Day, in celebration of the importance of the urban tree canopy to our community and the many forest stewardship efforts taking place.
Staff Contact:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources, 360.570.3957
Shelly Bentley, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8301
Presenter:
Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Work Water Resources
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
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 29th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
In 2022, 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 Squaxin Park. Festivities will take place outdoors with Covid-precautions in place on Saturday October 8th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will include:
• Ceremonial Tree Planting
• Ask-an-arborist Booth
• Tree Pruning Workshop
• Community-based resources & tabling
• Kids activities
• Native plant giveaway
• Self-Guided Tour Native Plants
Options:
1. Proclaim October 8, 2022 Arbor Day in the City of Olympia.
2. Do not Proclaim October 8, 2022 Arbor Day in the City of Olympia.
3. Proclaim October 8, 2022 Arbor Day in the City of Olympia at another time.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact related to the Proclamation.
Attachment:
Proclamation