WHEREAS, In 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set
aside for the planting of trees, and
WHEREAS, 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 be a solution to combating climate change by reducing the erosion
of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs,
moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen,
and providing 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, and
WHEREAS, trees in our city 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,
NOW THEREFORE, I, John McArdle, Mayor of the City of Independence, do HEREBY
PROCLAIM April 26, 2024 as
ARBOR DAY
In the City of Independence, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts
to protect our trees and woodlands; and
FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the wellbeing
of this and future generations.
Done, this 9th day of April, 2024.
