City of Simi Valley

2008 Arbor Day logo

City of Simi Valley

The 2008 Arbor Day poster welcomes all residents to attend the event.

Plans are underway for the 2008 Simi Valley Arbor Day program. The annual event is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008, 10:00 am, Rancho Tapo Community Park and Veterans Plaza, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley.

The community-wide ceremony which honors local citizens is co-sponsored by the City of Simi Valley's Tree Advisory Board and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The purpose of the program is to offer residents a unique opportunity to learn about the benefits of trees and to remember local citizens who are deceased, but who have contributed significantly to the community, through the planting of trees in their honor.

The event will include the free give-away of 15 gallon trees to the first 50 Simi Valley residents who sign up at the event .  The trees are to be used on the recipient's private property. Additionally, oak seedlings and compost will be given away free until the supplies run out.

Demonstrations on woodworking and container gardens, along with leaf identification, leaf rubbing, and looking at leaves under microscopes will entertain children and adults. Other demonstrations are currently being considered. To offer a tree-related demonstration or for additional information about the event, contact Jerry Clark at the City of Simi Valley, (805) 583-6393.

One exciting aspect of the Arbor Day event is the announcement of the winners of the Arbor Day poster contest program. A total of 250 posters from fifth grade children from 10 local schools have been entered into a contest with the theme "Trees are Terrific...Inside and Out!" In November, 5th grade teachers from all local elementary schools received an entry packet for their classes.

Each school will have one winner who will receive a cash prize. Also, all 250 entries are in competition to be selected as overall winners. The overall winners in first, second and third place will receive cash prizes. The teachers whose students win overall recognition will receive cash prizes with the prize money to be used in the winning teacher's classroom. The winning entry from each school will be forwarded to the state competition.

According to City Council Member, Barbra Williamson, "We have more money to award to winners this year thanks to local sponsors." The local prize money for the 2008 contest was sponsored by Alcoa Fastening Systems, Meggitt USA Inc., Casden Incorporated, and KB Homes.