Arbor Day

Mesa has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation for the third consecutive year to honor its commitment to community forestry. Becoming a Tree City USA provides a community with a greater ability to improve community urban forests, encourage tree care and planting programs, enhance livable communities, and of course, benefit the environment.

It has been 140 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day. His simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever. The 1st official Arbor Day was created by Morton and celebrated in Nebraska in 1872. In the years following that first Arbor Day, Morton's idea spread beyond Nebraska and today all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day. Discover opportunities to celebrate Arbor Day below. Arbor Day 2013 is Friday, April 26th.

Events & Tree Plantings

Resources

Tree planting

Arbor Day Tree Planting: On April 26, at 10 a.m. the City of Mesa will conduct a tree planting at Candlelight Park, 1540 N. Barkley. The public is invited to attend. The tree that will be planted is a Pistacia lentiscus or Mastic Tree. Call 602-463-6336 if any questions.

Arbor Day Proclamation: On April 15, the Arbor Day Proclamation will be read at the Mesa City Council Meeting at Council Chambers, 57, E. 1st St. This year's proclamation reader will be Don Waltemeyer, from Treeland Nursery. Treeland has been a family-owned Mesa nursery since 1965!

Arbor Day Book Readings at Mesa Public Schools: April 26, 2013 about 10 a.m. Volunteers will read "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss to third grade classes at select Mesa Public Schools. If you are interested in being a volunteer reader, call 480-644-3334.

Arizona State Forestry Division reconizes Arizona's 24 "Tree City USA" Communities including Mesa.

Tree with face