April 24, 2026
WHEREAS, trees play a significant role in our environment and in the quality of our lives by filtering airborne pollutants, providing oxygen, and absorbing carbon dioxide, allowing us to breathe clean air and mitigate the effects of climate change; and,
WHEREAS, trees provide summer shade and block cold winter winds, resulting in reduced energy used for cooling and heating; and,
WHEREAS, spending time among trees in our communities, forests, and parks can help decrease stress and improve physical and mental health; and,
WHEREAS, trees provide comfort and aesthetic value by shading our playgrounds and homes, producing food and providing shelter for animals; and,
WHEREAS, trees are a sustainable and renewable resource which provides the materials that make up our 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 diversity of trees that present us with a striking gift of color each spring and autumn; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to maintain and sustainably manage community trees and woodlands to protect the environment for future generations and provide suitable habitats for many types of wildlife; and,
WHEREAS, we should always appreciate trees and forests and the crucial roles they play in our lives by recommitting ourselves to their protection, and take action by planting a tree;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 19 to April 25, 2026, as Arbor Week and Friday, April 24 as Arbor Day in Michigan.
