WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planning of trees. This holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and
WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. Trees in our Town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and
WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal and Amherst has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree-planting ways,
WHEREAS, multiple events are planned throughout the month of April involving the care, education and planting of trees including April 9, 2016 in coordination with UMass and student groups planting on North Pleasant Street, April 16, 2016 at the Amherst Sustainability Festival, and on April 23, 2016 an Arbor Day of Service with the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in and around Amherst Parks.
NOW, THEREFORE, We, The Select Board of the Town of Amherst, do hereby proclaim the month of April, as ARBOR MONTH In the Town of Amherst, and, we urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our Town’s urban forestry program.
VOTED AND DATED this 4th day of April, 2016.