Edmond proclaims Arbor Week; city wins Tree City USA recognition and honors student artists

Mayor Daryl Davis opened the March 25 council meeting by formally proclaiming March 24 through March 30, 2024, as Arbor Week in Edmond, citing the Urban Forestry Commission’s and city programs’ contributions to the local tree canopy. "Now, therefore, I, Daryl Davis, mayor of City Of Edmond, Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim March 24 through 03/30/2024 as Arbor Week in the city of Edmond," the mayor said.

Mark Bays of Oklahoma Forestry Services, introduced by council staff, commended the city for 25 consecutive years as a Tree City USA and noted Edmond Electric’s 24-year Tree Line USA designation. "Edmond is 1 of those cities that also got a growth award," he said, noting the city also received targeted federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to support tree- and park-related inventories and work.

Leah Martin from Urban Forestry outlined this week’s events, including a sunset hike on Spring Creek Trail, a Saturday tree-planting at Edmond 66 Park softball complex, an Urban Forest Scavenger Hunt, and the Arbor Day Art Show at the Edmond History Museum. Staff also recognized three student winners of the Arbor Day art contest; Citizens Bank of Edmond provided gift-card prizes for each winner.

The recognition items were ceremonial and informational; council members and staff thanked the Urban Forestry Commission and Oklahoma Forestry Services for the long-running partnership and programming.