Mesa Plans the Seeds of Sustainability for Arbor Day

Mesa Plans the Seeds of Sustainability for Arbor Day

Mayor Mark Freeman has proclaimed April 24 as Arbor Day in Mesa highlighting the City's ongoing commitment to tree planting and long-term urban forest management as part of the nationally recognized observance..

"Arbor Day is a good reminder that trees do more than add beauty to our city; they play a real role in keeping our neighborhoods strong and livable," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "They provide shade-something everyone can appreciate-improve air quality, support local wildlife and help create spaces where families can come together. Investing in our tree canopy is a smart, long-term investment in the health, strength and future of Mesa."

Mesa continues to advance its Trees Are Cool Initiative, a long-term effort to plant and record one million trees by 2050 and achieve 15% canopy coverage. The initiative combines community tree plantings, education and data-driven planning to expand shade and improve livability across Mesa.

A recent example is Plant Forward: Community Action for Urban Cooling at Reed Park, where more than 75 volunteers planted 100 native and desert-adapted trees and installed green stormwater infrastructure to improve water efficiency and reduce urban heat.

The collaborative project earned statewide recognition. Mesa will receive the Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award for innovative and strategic collaboration from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management at the Arizona Arbor Day Ceremony on Friday, April 24. Mesa also received the Award of Distinction for Environmental Excellence in partnership with the Nature Conservancy from Arizona Forward in March.

Residents can explore the Reed Park project through an interactive StoryMap.

Additional Arbor Day and Trees Are Cool highlights:

•Lorax Reading at Mesa Public Schools: On Arbor Day, Mayor Mark Freeman, Councilmember Alicia Goforth and other community volunteers will read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss to third-grade students at 10 Mesa elementary schools. Each student will receive Blue Palo Verde seeds (Arizona's state tree) to germinate and plant as part of a hands-on lesson plan.

•Tree City USA: Mesa marks its 16th consecutive year earning this recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting our commitment to tree care and environmental stewardship, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. This designation recognizes Mesa's leadership in tree care, planting efforts and environmental stewardship.

•Mesa Shade Tree Program: In partnership with Trees Matter, the City recently completed its third season providing 311 desert-adapted trees to 175 households along with in-person training on planting, watering and tree care.

•Tree Stewards Program: Led by the Arizona Sustainability Alliance and American Forests, Mesa has assisted with community training cohorts of residents. Participants complete certification, lead outreach and help plant trees - resulting in over 40 trained stewards and 266 trees planted in parks, schools, and neighborhoods across Mesa.

To learn more about Arbor Day and to find more tree care tips, visit mesaaz.gov/arborday.