Left to right (back row): Terry Oliver, Howard Austin, Satarra Williams, L.T. McDuffy, Essence Jordan, Megan Horton, Ivory Curry, Steve Crow, John Jackson. Left to right (front row): Carla Haynie, Carolyn Todd, Patricia Roberts, Mary Godwin and Tara Carlton
The day for planting trees kicked off in Prescott this morning when Mayor Terry Oliver signed the proclamation designating April 7th as Arbor Day in Prescott. This holiday was first observed in Nebraska in 1872 with the planting of more than a million trees and is now observed throughout the nation and the world. The addition of more trees in a community can assist with cooling costs, provide an increase in property value, combat climate change, improve air and water quality, plus much more. Research also indicates that the sight of trees can produce recovery from stress, indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension1.
In his proclamation, Mayor Oliver urged citizens to celebrate Arbor Day, support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and to plant trees to “gladden the heart and promote well-being of future generations." (The full proclamation can be found below.)
After the proclamation, many citizens gathered at the Prescott City Park near the volleyball court where the newest trees have been planted in honor of Arbor Day. With all sporting their green tree shirts, representatives from the Economic Development Office (EDO), the Prescott City Council, Prescott City Hall, and Prescott Parks Department congregated at the park to observe this holiday. The trees were planted by Mary Godwin, Tara Carlton, John Jackson, and L.T. McDuffy from the EDO.
Prescott’s commitment to effective urban forest management has resulted in the city being named a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program, in partnership with the U.S. National Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes those cities who have successfully formed a tree board or department, created a tree-care ordinance, had an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said in a press release, “The trees being planted and cared for by Prescott ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”
As the observance of Arbor Day at the park wound to a close, the celebrations were not over yet. Next was a trip to Prescott and Nevada Elementary for the Arbor Day Coloring Contest Winners. Stay tuned to SWARK.Today to find out which talented kiddos won the contest and what their prizes were!
Mayor Terry Oliver signing the Proclamation of Arbor Day in Prescott
1Facts and statistic courtesy of the Economic Development Office