Thursday, October 1, 2026
In continuing its longstanding tradition of recognizing the importance of urban forests, the Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, as Arbor Day for the city.
The proclamation highlighted the many environmental, economic, and community benefits that trees provide to the city. These benefits include cleaner air and water, battling the effects of climate change, reducing flooding and soil erosion, minimizing the urban heat island effect, improving mental health, and providing habitat for wildlife.
"Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of the business area, beautify our neighborhoods, and are identifying characteristics for the Pacific Northwest landscape," the proclamation stated.
The proclamation also acknowledged Olympia's 31-year recognition as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This designation requires the city to meet criteria, including having a tree ordinance, a forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.
Jasen Johns, Urban Forestry Program manager for Olympia, provided an overview of the city's urban forestry program and the requirements for maintaining Olympia’s Tree City USA designation.
Johns explained that the Arbor Day proclamation is one of the four criteria the city must meet to retain its Tree City USA status. The other requirements include hosting an Arbor Day event, meeting a minimum per capita expenditure for the urban forestry program, and having a tree ordinance in place.
Regarding the Arbor Day event, Johns invited the community to join the urban forestry team on Oct. 5. The team will be set up at Heritage Fountain Park. The event will feature an "Ask the Arborist" station and a free tree and shrub giveaway.
Johns also provided information on the scope of the city's urban forestry program, which spans different departments: Parks, Public Works, and Executive Services. He acknowledged the support of the professionals in these departments, who collectively manage over 1,900 acres of forested and urban land within and around the city.
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mkenmcd49
And yet, when a tree located on city property is endangering an Olympia City resident's property, they do nothing about it and say it is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Really, a "tree city?"
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Report this
1Cochamamba9
Tree city? Who is proclaiming this? In 20+ years, I've seen acres and acres of trees within the Olympia City limits totally cleared - and then, a few trees planted to spruce up the devastated area. A very recent example: Grass Lake Nature Park. Approximately two acres were clear cut to provide an asphalt parking lot. I was informed that native pants would cover a portion of the cleared area. A bit confusing because the entire area WAS covered by native vegetation! In addition, a long swath of Grass Lake Nature Park [14 feet wide and approximately 1/2 mile in length] was bulldozed in order to lay a road of asphalt 10 feet wide! In addition, any city council member ever notice the hundreds/thousands of trees that are being suffocated by English Ivy? Now there's a real endangerment to the public. Tree City has a very nice marketing ring to it. However, with the absurd tax incentives offered to developers ... Olympia is rapidly becoming another unsightly ______ [fill in the blank for your most desirable community along I-5. ]
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Report this