As this is written, we are two months away from the traditional date (April 24) for observing National Arbor Day. For those who love trees and think that they are a critically important part of the environment -- both urban and outside cities -- Arbor Day is an occasion to speak up for trees, hold public events such as tree plantings, and so on. But, especially in the southern U.S. where the hot season is not far behind, Arbor Day is not an optimal time of year for tree planting. Instead, let's call on public officials in our area (the cities of Huntsville and Madison Alabama plus Madison County) to use Arbor Day as an occasion to make a commitment to do more in the spirit of Arbor Day all year long. For instance:
* Allocate more funding for protection and replacement of shrinking urban forests;
* Strengthen municipal ordinances relating to trees;
* Support and listen to governmental entities such as the Huntsville Tree Commission, and the municipal beautification boards;
* Participate in the global 1 Trillion Trees Initiative.
Future generations will be grateful for actions such as these.
We urge elected officials to PRIORITIZE TREES as one of the key elements for making and keeping our cities beautiful, healthful and pleasant places to live. That is why observance of Arbor Day in the United States began nearly 150 years ago.
