Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 21, 2022
The City of Fernandina Beach recognized April 19, 2022, as “National Arbor Day” during the April 19, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC).
City Planning and Conservation Department Urban Forester David Neville accepted the Proclamation below from Mayor Mike Lednovich. Neville thanked the Mayor and reported that the City will be planting 23 trees in the public housing area in commemoration of Arbor Day 2022. Since 2020, 40 trees have been planted in that neighborhood.
WHEREAS, trees provide indescribable beauty, increase property values, enhance economic vitality, produce oxygen, clean the air, reduce temperatures and cooling costs, help capture stormwater above and below ground, provide exceptional wildlife habitat, protect life and, property, as well as provide natural shelter from storms; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fernandina Beach and its citizens recognize the significance of planting, maintaining, and preserving individual trees to sustain and renew the health of our environment and maritime forest; and
WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource utilized locally for producing cellulose (paper), lumber, and chemicals that are used in thousands of products all over the world; and
WHEREAS, in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, 2022 marks the City of Fernandina Beach celebrating its 20th year as a designated Tree City USA community and in 2021, the City received its first Arbor Day Foundation “Growth Award”; and
WHEREAS, Fernandina Beach residents recognize the importance of planting, maintaining, and preserving our majestic tree canopy and exceptional maritime forest.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael A. Lednovich, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 29, 2022, as:
“NATIONAL ARBOR DAY”
and I urge all citizens to participate in the day’s celebration to give thanks for our trees every day.