Title
To recognize and celebrate Arbor Day in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, Arbor Day was first established in 1872 by the Nebraska Board of Agriculture, as a special day to be set aside for the planting and care of trees; and
WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now celebrated annually on the fourth Friday of April, with the goal of highlighting the environmental importance of trees and encouraging community organizations and members to practice environmental stewardship by planting and caring for trees; and
WHEREAS, trees help to combat climate change by reducing the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and help us achieve a more sustainable future for all Columbus residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, through its Sustainable Columbus office, is committed to imparting equity and environmental justice through strong climate action, and is guided by the Columbus Climate Action Plan which has a community-wide goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and achieving a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Climate Action Plan has strategies and goals around increasing access to green space, increasing the tree canopy in alignment with the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan, and increasing the number of native plants present in the City, all with the aim of assisting in the fight against climate change; and
WHEREAS, community organizations, such as The Clintonville Green Team, promote environmental consciousness and stewardship, advocate for green practices, and continue to push the City of Columbus to look at all policies and initiatives through a sustainability lens; and
WHEREAS, this Council continues to support programs and organizations who are dedicated...
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