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City of Oroville Named Tree City USA for 30th Year
The National Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Oroville “Tree City USA.” This is the 30th time that the city has been honored by receiving this national recognition. The City of Oroville is proud to have over 10,000 trees, many of which are currently bursting into bloom.
The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. A community must meet four standards to be considered. The standards include a comprehensive community forestry program, a tree care ordinance, a tree board or department, and an Arbor Day observance.
Arbor Day traces its roots back to 1872 when Sterling Morton, Secretary of Agriculture under President Cleveland, began the program. Forty-four states and territories now celebrate Arbor Day with hundreds of thousands of acres of trees planted by human hands. As the program continued, it took on a new educational character by including teachers and students. Not only does the celebration provide a beautification aspect, but it contributes to a learning environment for historical events, celebrated persons and the study of trees.
Trees are vastly appreciated for the bountiful products they produce and the beauty they contribute to our environment, and they provide many conservation benefits as well. A few of the benefits are tree roots grip and hold topsoil, slowing runoff there by reducing erosion and water pollution. Leafy tree canopies conserve moisture, slow the wind, keep the air clean, help quiet loud traffic noises, and provide shade from the hot sun. They also create a welcome home for birds and wildlife.
This year, the City of Oroville Arbor Day observance will be held Thursday, March 11th at the Plumas Avenue School located at 440 Plumas Avenue Oroville. The community-invited program will begin at 8:40 A.M. and include information about Arbor Day, planting the “right tree in the right place,” and an equipment demonstration by the City of Oroville Parks and Trees Department. Dave Derby, a professional forester from Cal Fire will present the City with the special Tree City USA Flag.
The program will conclude with students planting eight large trees assisted by the City of Oroville, Parks and Trees Department. The trees and supplies were donated by PG&E, Lake Oroville Area Garden Club, City of Oroville and Wal-Mart.
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