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WHEREAS, in 1872 Julius Sterling Morton, a newspaper editor and politician, introduced a tree planting holiday which would later go on to be called Arbor Day; and,
WHEREAS, Morton’s enthusiasm about planting trees and preserving nature contributed to the planting of more than 1 million trees in Nebraska that year and has now helped launch Arbor Day into a holiday that is celebrated throughout the world; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s vast number of trees and vibrant parks helps to enrich our everyday lives and enhance the beauty in our communities; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s tree population plays a vital role in supporting a healthy environment by helping to alleviate the harmful effects that the steel mills have left behind; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh is home to 50,000 street trees, parks and greenspaces; and,
WHEREAS, created in 1894 Riverview Park was formed largely from farmland, and today is known for its dense woodlands and steep topography; and,
WHEREAS, the community group Friends of Riverview Park has fearlessly advocated to maintain Riverview Park so that it remains a destination for all who visits; and,
WHEREAS, the Friends of Riverview Park has partnered with Parks Conservatory and Tree Pittsburgh to designate Riverview Park as an official arboretum, a protected green space for the continued study, preservation, enjoyment and health of our environment; and,
WHEREAS, Riverview Park’s designation as an arboretum is a monumental victory for the preservation of wildlife and plant life in our region; and,
WHEREAS, Riverview Park has received Level 1 accreditation from Morton Arboretum; and,
WHEREAS, Riverview Park will be the third park designated as an arboretum in the city of Pittsburgh; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and officially celebrate Arbor Day on April 27th in the city, and does commend the park’s designation as an arboretum that will protect and preserve the ecosystem at Riverview Park.