WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and WHEREAS, trees wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and WHEREAS, Salisbury has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree-planting ways. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Karen K. Alexander, Mayor of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina DO HEREBY PROCLAIM April 4, 2021 as ARBOR DAY in Salisbury, and urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our City’s urban forestry program; and FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of present and future generations. This the 16th day of March 2021.