Taos Tree Board, Main Street bring back National Arbor Day
Like many organizations, the Taos Tree Board has laid dormant for the past two years. Now, through the support of remaining active members, newly appointed members, the newly elected Town of Taos administration and collaborations across the community, the Taos Tree Board is coming back to life.
The Taos Tree Board and the Taos Main Street Program are inviting the community to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday (April 30) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kit Carson Park, at the park’s southeast edge between the softball fields and Morada Lane. Free lunch provided. Please register at bit.ly/3KfbWZv.
The Taos Tree Board’s mission is to “support urban and community forestry in Taos through active research, management, education and outreach.” The board was officially adopted by the Town of Taos in May 2015 — however, the groundwork for bringing attention to care of trees in Taos was conducted by individuals and organizations in the previous years. Through these efforts, the Town of Taos attained Tree City USA status from 200919, in recognition of the critical role that a strong tree care program plays in the health of the community. Once connected to the Town of Taos, the Tree Board worked to craft the Town of Taos Community Tree Care Plan, which was adopted by the town council in the fall of 2019.
Current efforts include reestablishing Tree City USA Status, furthering our educational outreach programs around all aspects of tree care, and promoting a strong and proactive community forest program to ensure that the trees remain healthy to provide a multitude of benefits. Arbor Day presents the culmination of these efforts and an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Arbor day began in Nebraska on April 10, 1874, when it is
estimated over one million trees were planted in a single day. Since that time, Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation have spread around the world leading communities to plant multitudes of trees in a joyful, educational and empowering celebration. These efforts remind us that the valuable role that trees play
in our communities can only be activated through our direct participation in their livelihoods. We know that lovingly carving a hole, gently tucking in the roots for life and standing the trunk up straight is just the beginning. We are committing to the lifelong care of our friends through diligent yet appropriate applications
of water and mulch, proper pruning and appreciation. In return, we receive fathomless beauty, oxygen, shade, habitat for other species and enduring sustenance.
This April 30, the Taos community will be planting three lance leaf cottonwoods, two honey locusts, two Royal Raindrops crab-apples, and one white ash.
Mayor Pascual Maestas will be issuing an Arbor Day proclamation and related community organizations will provide information about their own good work. Funding for this year’s Arbor Day celebration was made possible through a generous donation from The LOR Foundation.