Arbor Day | Proclamation Received by South Pasadena Beautiful

Arbor Day is a day in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization founded in 1972 in Nebraska by John Rosenow

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | Members of South Pasadena Beautiful were honored during Wednesday’s City Council meeting as they accepted a proclamation declaring March 7 as Arbor Day in the city. From left are South Pasadena Mayor Dr. Marina Khubesrian, and South Pasadena Beautiful President Gina Atkinson, and SPB board members Isabela Harrington and Stephanie Payne-Campbell.

Members of South Pasadena Beautiful were honored during Wednesday’s City Council meeting as they accepted a proclamation declaring March 7 as Arbor Day in the city.

Arbor Day is a day in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization founded in 1972 in Nebraska by John Rosenow.

Making the presentation to those representing South Pasadena Beautiful was Mayor Dr. Marina Khubesrian, explaining in the proclamation that trees provide cleaner air and water, shade, increased storm water management, energy savings, soil protection, and habitat for wildlife.

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Stephanie Payne-Campbell, a South Pasadena Beautiful board member, took a moment to say thanks, reflecting on what it means to have a supportive City Council when it comes to trees, making South Pasadena special in her mind for its conservation efforts. Campbell knows the importance of the tree canopy and what it means for those who make the city their home.

South Pasadena Beautiful President Gina Atkinson and fellow board member Isabela Harrington joined Payne-Campbell at the podium as they received the Arbor Day proclamation from Khubesrian.

The City of South Pasadena has been recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. for 15 straight years.

“We’re very lucky to live in a city where we have a council that makes trees a priority,” said Payne-Campbell, noting that two years ago South Pasadena Beautiful conducted a tree drive, in which 198 were donated and planted. “Now I’m urging everyone to water your trees. If you see a tree that is dying, is dry and needs some help that you contact us on our website at SouthPasBeautiful.org,” she explained. “We have a volunteer program where we go out and monitor the trees, water them, contact the residents who live there, and give them tree watering bags that are sponsored by city. So, hopefully, together we can protect our urban canopy.”

After the proclamation was issued, South Pasadena City Councilmember Robert Joe thanked the hard work of South Pasadena Beautiful, saying: “The new leadership has provided fantastic vitality in the program. South Pasadena Beautiful is now really grown and stepped up.”

Added the mayor, “You all do great work. Keep it up.”

The Arbor Day Foundation is offering a handy tree-care booklet designed to help people plant and care for trees. Anyone can receive the Conservation Trees booklet simply by making a $3 donation to the Foundation.

Conservation Trees is a user-friendly booklet that features illustrations, colorful photos and easily understood descriptions.

The booklet provides details about the right way to plant and prune trees. It also includes tips on using shade trees and windbreaks to save on energy costs, attracting songbirds and creating a living snow fence.

To receive the Conservation Trees booklet, send a $3 check along with your name and address to: Conservation Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or order online at arborday.org/conservationtrees.