STATE OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTY OF HUNTERDON

PROCLAMATION
Friday, April 30, 2004 - Arbor Day

WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and

WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, 2004 marks the 132ND Anniversary of Arbor Day, which 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 life-giving oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and

William Wild, Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District, John Trontis, Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation and John King of the Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission accept the Proclamation fromthe Board of Chosen Freeholders on April 13, 2004

WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource providing paper, wood for homes, fuel for fires and they beautify our community; and

WHEREAS, wherever they are planted, trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and

WHEREAS, the Hunterdon County Shade Tree Commission, the Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District and the Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Department, will hold a public celebration and tree planting at the New South County Park, at noon on Friday, April 30, 2004, to mark this occasion. (click for additional info)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Hunterdon does hereby proclaim, Friday, April 30, 2004, as the 132nd Anniversary Celebration of Arbor Day, in Hunterdon County, and urges all County residents and municipalities to celebrate Arbor Day and support the efforts to protect the trees and woodlands; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all citizens are urged to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations.