From the City of Reno:
Earlier today at Powning Veterans Memorial Park, the City of Reno celebrated Arbor Day 2016 and launched a City-sponsored program focused on preserving the health of existing trees and expanding the city’s urban tree canopy.
ReLEAF Reno is a new initiative that encourages residents to plant trees and take part in caring for trees throughout the city. Residents can help in three ways:
1. Donate to the City’s ReLEAF program at Reno.Gov/ReLeafReno. The public investment will be used to plant and maintain trees.
2. Pledge to maintain the health of street trees and trees on an individual’s property through proper watering and care.
3. Pledge to plant a new tree and provide watering and care to keep trees healthy and flourishing.
“With Reno’s tree canopy at 5.2%, we can do more for our urban forest,” says Naomi Duerr, Ward 2 Reno City Council Member. “Trees provide us many benefits that improve our environment, economy, and our quality of life. By renewing our focus on trees in our community, we can help support economic development, flight blight, and make our city more sustainable.”
During Friday’s Arbor Day event, the City of Reno also celebrated its 34th consecutive year of being recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. For cities to receive the honor, they must have a tree board or department, a tree ordinance in place, a forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and hold an annual celebration with an Arbor Day proclamation. Reno was the inaugural Tree City USA in the State of Nevada. The Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree City USA program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.
The City also recognized two residents, Suzanne Adams and Rod Haulenbeek, for their service on the Reno Urban Forestry Commission, and John Garfinkle, a member of the public who has advocated for the preservation of several street trees in Reno.
The celebration ended with a ceremonial tree planting at Powning Veterans Memorial Park. Members of the Reno City Council and Urban Forestry Commission planted a sugar maple tree.
“ReLEAF Reno is an example of the types of initiatives that will help us create a healthier and more sustainable future and enrich our vibrant neighborhoods and public places,” Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger says.
The City of Reno maintains approximately 20,000 public trees along its streets and in and around more than 85 city parks and trails. For more information, visit Reno.Gov/ReLeafReno.
From the City of Reno
