Next Year in the Northwest: The Year of the Tree?

This year, Morgantown, WV, is celebrating “The Year of the Tree.”

In addition to inviting its residents to make costumes to celebrate trees for today’s 4th of July parade, Morgantown organized the following tree-themed events for the year (as noted on the city of Morgantown web site):

Tree Book Wish List – To honor Morgantown’s Year of the Tree 2013, Morgantown Public Library has launched a Tree Book Wish List with the internet book seller, Amazon.com. Individuals and organizations can donate tree-related books for the public library through the site. (Go to Amazon.com., then at Wish List Registry, type in Morgantown Public Library.) Titles will appear. Donors will be honored on a special Morgantown YOTT2013 Donation Book Plate inside each donated book. Books will be shipped free directly to the library.

The Biggest, Baddest Tree Challenge: Neighborhoods are challenged to look up. Could you perhaps be looking at one of the oldest, largest, most beautiful, most significant or most unusual trees in Morgantown? Nominees will be featured on an interactive online map and elsewhere. Contact [email protected] for nomination forms and/or more information.

Wouldn’t it be great if Portland declared 2014 “The Year of the Trees.” We already have great tree costumes and a mayor who appreciates trees. Here’s Morgantown’s proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

Whereas, Morgantown, an official Tree City USA, is graced with varieties of trees in all of its neighborhoods; these trees, through all seasons, enrich Morgantown with their color, texture, bloom and fruit. Renewable resources, our trees without complaint provide materials for shelter, food, heat, and shade. As our trees may live hundreds – up to several thousand – years longer than we humans, they peacefully stand as witnesses to our history, symbolizing longevity, persistence, and strength; and

Whereas, Morgantown’s trees reduce community expenses; they secure valuable topsoil, capture large amounts of rainwater, and contain otherwise costly-to-control water run-off; increase property values by up to 10%; lower summer cooling costs by up to 56%, and buffer homes and buildings from winter winds; and we depend upon our trees, which, using only sunlight, improve our air quality by removing pollutants and increasing oxygen; and

Whereas, Morgantown’s trees provide economic benefits to our local businesses, as tree-lined streets attract more shoppers to business areas; create an atmosphere where people shop more frequently and where shoppers are willing to spend more; and

Whereas, Many citizens are cheered by looking at trees, value special trees, have personal connections and stories with trees, enjoy the landscape decorated with beautiful trees, but, to date, have not, as a community, shared that appreciation and enjoyment together;

Now therefore, I, Jim Manilla, Mayor of the City of Morgantown, West Virginia do hereby proclaim the year 2013 as The Year of the Tree in the City of Morgantown and urge all citizens to celebrate The Year of the Tree, to appreciate and learn about trees and their many benefits, and to LOOK UP.

Now here’s the million dollar question: Where did Friends of Trees Executive Director Scott Fogarty grow up?

You guessed it: Morgantown, WV

Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July and a year of appreciating trees “from California to the New York island, from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters.”

–TR