The City of Santa Paula is pleased to announce its remarkable achievement of being honored once again as a 2022 Tree City USA by the prestigious Arbor Day Foundation. This recognition truly exemplifies Santa Paula's unwavering dedication to prioritizing the planting and care of trees within our vibrant community.
Established in 1976, the Tree City USA program stands as a collaborative initiative between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. By joining the ranks of over 3,600 Tree City USA communities nationwide, encompassing a combined population of 155 million, the City of Santa Paula proudly becomes part of an impressive network of environmental stewards.
In recent years, the value and importance of trees have become increasingly evident, as cities and towns across the globe face pressing challenges related to air quality, water resources, personal well-being, and energy consumption. Embracing the urgency of the situation, the City of Santa Paula has proactively taken substantial measures towards building a greener and more vibrant future for generations to come.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the City of Santa Paula for achieving the prestigious Tree City USA recognition once again," expressed Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The residents of Santa Paula can take great pride in their community's unwavering commitment to fostering a healthy and sustainable environment through the planting and preservation of trees."
In addition to this esteemed recognition, the City of Santa Paula enthusiastically celebrated its annual Arbor Day festivities this past March. Throughout the month, a series of engaging and exciting events were meticulously organized to promote tree planting efforts and actively involve the community. Embracing the theme of "Plant a Tree, Be a Hero," residents eagerly participated in various ceremonies, enthusiastically embracing the beauty and boundless benefits of tree planting.
One notable highlight of the celebrations was the proclamation of Arbor Day by the esteemed Santa Paula City Council during its regular meeting on March 1. Subsequently, on March 14, a captivating Arbor Day Ceremony took place at Barbara Webster Elementary School, in collaboration with the Santa Paula Unified School District. Attended by two fifth-grade classes, this event provided an invaluable opportunity to educate young minds about the positive impact of trees on urban environments, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Continuing the momentum, the Arbor Day Community Workshops and Tree Give-Away Event unfolded on March 18. This remarkable occasion beautifully showcased the City's unyielding dedication to expanding the urban forest and significantly improving the lives of Santa Paula residents through meaningful action. Attendees were treated to a series of enlightening workshops, covering a range of topics such as tree planting techniques, managing tree pests, practical household remedies, and the art of grafting fruit cocktail trees. As a testament to the City's commitment, a staggering total of 115 trees were distributed among Santa Paula residents.
The City of Santa Paula extends its heartfelt gratitude to all residents who actively participated in these meaningful Arbor Day events and played a pivotal role in planting 115 trees throughout the community. Together, we have taken substantial steps towards nurturing a greener, more vibrant Santa Paula.
For more information on Santa Paula's commitment to environmental preservation and future events, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (805) 933-4226 ext. 350 or follow the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook.
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