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WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission and the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest believe that trees in our city increase property values, enhance economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our communities; and
WHEREAS, April 27, 2007 is Arbor Day, which was initiated in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska City who said "other holidays focus upon the past; Arbor Day focuses on the future" and in keeping with the spirit of its founders, this day of remembrance celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and ongoing care and maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the Arbor Day celebration represents an opportunity for Pittsburgh children and adults to take positive actions and make the world a better place; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission and the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest believe that building partnerships for Arbor Day activities will enhance efforts to promote environmental education and help the public understand the benefits of trees to society, and
WHEREAS, the Shade Tree Commission, Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Duquesne Light, CitiParks and the Carnegie Library have planned a tree planting as well as educational activities at Philips Elementary School to celebrate Arbor Day, to include the planting of a Cleveland Select Pear (Pyrus Calleryana Cleveland Select) and a visual and dramatic arts program with the drama club presenting Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" and the art classes creating a group mural entitled "Tree of Dreams."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, April 27, 2007 as Arbor Day in the City of Pittsburgh and encourages all the citizens of Pittsburgh to observe this day, along with the students at Phillips School, as a time to help care for existing trees and to plant new trees to honor our urban forest.