April 21 - 27, 2019: Arbor Week

WHEREAS, trees play a significant role in our environment and in the quality of our lives. They provide shelter for animals and, in many cases, nourishing nuts or seeds and leaves for wildlife. Their beauty is food for our eyes and their fruit helps us feed our children. From the beginning, trees have been contributing to the lives of generations of families throughout the world. We must maintain our precious heritage of woodland and help prevent the shrinking of our forests. For these reasons, Michigan proudly commemorates Arbor Week and Arbor Day in Michigan and urges each citizen to plant a tree; and,

WHEREAS, to children, trees are magical jungle gyms to be climbed and conquered. With their tangle of branches reaching to the sky, they are immovable, tall giants. As we grow and learn more about the different types of trees and their uses, however, we realize that trees are much more than a great place for a clubhouse. They not only shade our homes, but also give us the materials that help to build those homes and much of what is inside them. From paper products to furniture, wood is an important and beautiful resource; and,

WHEREAS, in Michigan, we are fortunate to have a rich variety of trees that present us with a striking gift of glorious color each autumn. The reds and golds remind us of the cycle of life and the importance of making a difference during our time on the earth. We must preserve and protect the ecosystem for future generations who will inherit the trees we plant today;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim Sunday, April 21 through Saturday, April 27, 2019, as Arbor Week in Michigan.