SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 7, 2020, as Arbor Day in the State of California.
The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the trees that clean our air, beautify our landscapes and sustain the earth for future Californians. In commemorating Arbor Day, we recognize that “each generation takes the earth as trustees.”
Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 with the planting of more than one million trees in the State of Nebraska. This observation encourages us to beautify our communities by hosting litter-collecting and tree-planting events. In California, the Legislature first proclaimed California Arbor Day on March 6, 1974, to encourage Californians to come together as families, neighborhoods, schools and cities to plant trees and care for the earth.
Trees are an invaluable resource. They shade and cool our planet. They reduce pollution and purify our air. And they are home to much of California’s wildlife. Trees create a beautiful and healthy present and promise a livable future.
In California, we recognize that, as Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” And we are proud that California has more urban and community forest organizations than any other state.
On Arbor Day, we are called to appreciate and find humility in the presence of trees like the California Redwood, living centuries upon centuries, standing tall on the face of a changing earth. And we are spurred to action – to secure our planet for future generations and to step outside and marvel at California’s greatest resource.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 7, 2020, as “Arbor Day.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of March 2020.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
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