Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring April 17, 2024, as Arbor Day in Rockville, Maryland.
end
Department
Rec & Parks - Parks & Facilities
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation, and present the proclamation to Paula Perez, City Forester.
Discussion
Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states and cities observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area.
The City observes Arbor Day every year with a tree-planting ceremony and proclamation, in keeping with the standards of the Tree City USA program. Rockville has been named a Tree City USA for 35 consecutive years in recognition of its commitment to tree maintenance and planting efforts. Rockville also received a 2023 PLANT Award (People Loving and Nurturing Trees), Green Level, from the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee. Green is the highest level of the PLANT award. Rockville has received this award for more than 17 consecutive years.
This year the City will plant a tree on April 17th at 9:45 am at Meadow Hall Elementary School, 951 Twinbrook Pkwy.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council observe Arbor Day each year with a Proclamation.
Public Notification and Engagement
A video of the tree planting will be made available on Facebook for the viewing pleasure of everyone, including elementary school children in the City of Rockville.