REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of Earth Day/Arbor Day
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission to inspire people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees. It was founded in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Arbor Day. Through its Tree City USA program, 3,600 cities and towns are honored as Tree City USA communities for their commitment to planting and nurturing trees. For those communities that demonstrate higher levels of tree care and environmental stewardship, the Growth Award was created. This award recognizes innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry.
DISCUSSION
Each year on Earth Day and Arbor Day, people across the country demonstrate support for environmental protection and reflect on the important role that trees play in our world. Trees help clean our air, reduce the effects of climate change, provide habitat for wildlife, and help save energy. Towns and cities that have received their Tree City USA recognition take pride in this distinction and the people who live there enjoy the valuable benefits of having a greener, healthier community. Since the inception of the Municipal Tree Program in 1960, Santa Clara has maintained a commitment to manage, expand, and preserve trees in our urban forest. 2022 marks the 35th year that the City of Santa Clara has been designated a Tree City USA community! In addition, through various annual activities aimed at supporting our sustainable municipal forestry program, Santa Clara has received the Growth Award 21 times.
This April marks the 52nd annual Earth Day and 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. Throughout the month of April, the City has a variety of virtual events, workshops and youth activities aimed at increasing environmental awareness efforts and celebrating our earth and our community’s commitment to protecting it. Residents can participate in the virtual Earth Day and Arbor Day activities by visiting SantaClaraCA.gov/EarthAndArborDay. <https://www.santaclaraca.gov/recreation-community/events/seasonal-events/arbor-day-earth-day-celebration>
In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the Mayor has signed a City Proclamation, proclaiming April 28, 2022, as Earth Day/Arbor Day in Santa Clara.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informational report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time for preparing this report.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Office of the City Manager