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WHEREAS, in 1594 the world’s first documented arbor plantation festival was held in Mondoñedo, Spain at the site of Alameda de Los Remedios , where plantings of lime and horse-chestnut trees still take place today; and,
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WHEREAS, in 1872 a journalist by the name of Julius Sterling Morton of Nebraska first proposed a tree planting holiday to be called Arbor Day, resulting in the planting of more than 1 million trees in Nebraska that year; Arbor Day is observed and celebrated throughout the world; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s stellar collection of trees help to enrich our daily lives by bringing beauty, vibrancy, and grace to our streets, parks, and neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s variety of tree species contributes to the biodiversity of our region helping to protect wildlife and plant life alike; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s trees provide much needed natural shade, serving as a respite for all populations especially those negatively impacted by overexposure to sunlight; and,
WHEREAS, our healthy tree population helps to reduce erosion, which is especially important in our hilly terrain; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s trees cut heating and cooling costs by moderating temperature; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s robust tree population is vital to supporting a healthy environment especially by mitigating the harmful impacts that poor air quality have on Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s street trees have removed approximately 4.4 million pounds of carbon as of 2014 providing cost savings valued at approximately $417,700 per year, for an average net benefit of $12.48 per tree; and,
WHEREAS, the beauty and abundance of our trees, in part, define the character of the City of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Mellon Park was established in 1943 on the grounds of the former estate of Richard B. Mellon, the largest mansion in Pittsburgh at the time, demolished during World War II; and,
WHEREAS, Mellon Park is home to both the Walled Garden and the Elizabethan Herb Garden, home to the Western Pennsylvania Herb Society; and,
WHEREAS, the grassroots organization Friends of Mellon Park have worked tirelessly to maintain Mellon Park so that it remains a destination for all; and,
WHEREAS, the Friends of Mellon Park partnered with both Trees Pittsburgh and Preservation Pittsburgh to designate Mellon Park as an official Arboretum, a protected green space for the continued study, preservation, enjoyment, and health of our environment; and,
WHEREAS, Mellon Park’s designation as an Arboretum is a victory for wildlife and plant life in our region and for the current citizens of Pittsburgh and future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsburgh City Council does hereby recognize and celebrate the fantastic work of the Friends of Mellon Park and Mellon Park’s designation as the first City park arboretum protecting the beauty and ecosystem of Mellon Park.