Oakland Celebrates Arbor Day

Working to Enhance the Environmental Benefits of Our Urban Forest

In celebration of National Arbor Day on Friday, April 27, 2007, City officials and invited guests with will join with students, neighbors and staff from the Trees Services Division of the Oakland Public Works Agency to plant 18 ceremonial trees as the newest additions to Oakland‘s urban forest.

The public is invited to participate at the Golden Gate Recreation Center at 1075 62nd Street from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

Councilmember Jane Brunner will present the opening remarks, and then students from California College Preparatory Academy, a public charter school, will have a unique hands-on experience to learn about the importance of trees and their benefits to the environment.

The City of Oakland has been recognized as a Tree City USA® by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 24 years. This prestigious award acknowledges Oakland's commitment to tree planting, maintenance and preservation. The purpose of Oakland’s Arbor Day is to generate interest, educate individuals and initiate the public’s activity in the urban forest by involving the community in planting and caring for trees.

Oakland has celebrated Arbor Day with official tree planting ceremonies in various parks over the past several years: San Antonio Park (2006); deFremery Park (2005); Brookdale Park (2004); Chabot Space and Science Center (2003); Arroyo Viejo Park (2002); Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge and Rotary Nature Center (2001); Verdese Carter Park (2000); and Sobrante Park (1999).

The trees that are planted will be environmentally tolerant and high quality trees that will assist in creating an urban forest in the city. The celebration includes ceremonial ceremonial tree plantings, guest speakers and training on the planting and care of trees.