T.O.'s Arbor/Earth Day celebration to feature tree, soil giveaways
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in 1872 in Nebraska, where more than 1 million trees were planted. It was proclaimed a legal holiday by the state a few years later but became so popular that within 12 years every state in the union was celebrating it.

In 1970, the federal government declared the last Friday in April National Arbor Day, and now some form of tree or environmental tribute is celebrated in countries around the world.

Arbor Day or Earth Day festivities can also be found close to home. Generally, celebrations focus on educating the community on the benefits of trees. The following events are planned for Sat., April 22:

Thousand Oaks

The city and the Conejo Recreation and Park District have planned entertainment and handson activities for children at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks. The start is scheduled for 11 a.m.

The event will feature an oak tree planting ceremony and a blessing by a Chumash representative.

Usually, the park district lines up community groups and nonprofits to plant trees simultaneously at parks throughout the city on Arbor Day.

But according to Bob Marchesano, park district superintendent, "We don't have the large number of volunteer groups coming forward."

It's understandable, he said, because community groups are often involved in other service projects and can't spare the time.

Nonetheless, some people who attend the event will receive free mulch and a tree.

Marchesano, a certified arborist, said the average mature tree provides enough oxygen for a family of four. In addition, trees create their own micro climate. An ecosystem exists underneath a tree canopy-such as that found under the branches of the indigenous valley oak and live oak- where insects, worms and the like produce nitrogen by feeding on decomposing mulch. The activity nourishes the tree root and the soil, he said.

"So there's a whole life cycle going (on) that these trees create," Marchesano said.

The event also will feature an eco-fashion show and musical performances by the Coveralls and the award-winning Westlake High School Jazz Band.

For more information, visit www.toaks.org.

Simi Valley

In its 6th annual Arbor Day celebration, the city will continue the tradition of planting trees in the memory of fallen Iraq War soldiers and residents who contributed to the community.

Trees will be planted in honor of Leo Borelli, a 27-year Township Elementary School crossing guard who died earlier this year, and for three soldiers who died last year in Iraq.

The city's tree advisory board, whose mission is to promote good tree selection, maintenance and pruning practices, started the tradition.

What's unique about the program this year is that it will include a puppet show to educate children on the benefits of trees, said Jerry Clark, a landscape architect for the city.

Studies suggest that one tree in an urban environment does the same job as 50 to 75 trees in a forest setting, Clark said.

"A tree in an urban environment is more significant and plays a more valuable role than in a rural setting," Clark said.

Some of the 50 trees that will be handed out free to residents were provided by the American Miyakazi Cherry Tree Association. The organization has donated the 15-gallon trees, which usually cost between $25 and $60, to the city's celebration for the last five years.

Fifty bags of outdoor planting soil also will be given out at the event.

Camarillo-based Agromin, a sponsor of both the Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks events, is donating the soil. The planting materials contain recycled lawn clippings, tree limbs and leaves.

Each month, the manufacturer processes into soil products 20,000 tons of wood and green waste taken from residential containers.

The soil materials don't contain animal waste or sludge, Agromin president Bill Camarillo said.