Arbor Day, a significant event that originated in 1872 in Nebraska, has now become a celebrated tradition in Tillamook and across the globe. In Oregon, our State Forester, Cal Mukumoto, has designated April 2024 as Oregon Arbor Month, a proclamation supported by Tillamook’s City Council. This year, we are celebrating Arbor Day on April 25th. One requirement to retain our Tree City USA status is to hold an annual Arbor Day celebration. This will entail a tree-planting ceremony at Hoquarton Park at 1 pm.
The Council’s recognition highlights the myriad practical benefits trees contribute to the City’s well-being, including erosion prevention, air purification, habitat provision for wildlife, and the supply of wood, paper, fuel, and numerous other daily-use products. Arbor Month serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role trees play in enhancing our environment and sustaining our communities.
This ceremony is a small reflection and testament to our unwavering dedication to urban forestry. Tillamook stands tall with immense pride, having been recognized as a Tree City USA for an impressive 37 years. Beyond the annual celebration of Arbor Day, our commitment extends to the meticulous care of trees in parks and on City property. We
also seek the cooperation of property owners in maintaining street trees and heritage trees on private property.
As a community, we embrace the principle of ‘Right Tree, Right Place.’ This principle guides us to plant trees in locations where they can thrive without causing conflicts with other land uses. By doing so, we foster a cityscape that remains green and beautiful for generations to come. The City of Tillamook encourages all its citizens to actively participate in Arbor Day celebrations, endorse initiatives to safeguard our trees and woodlands, and engage in tree-planting endeavors. Together, let us cherish the essence of trees, enhancing the beauty of our city and promoting the well-being of present and future generations.