1Recognizing April 26, 2013, as "Arbor Day"; promoting public
2participation in the celebration; and further recognizing the
3value of trees to our environment.

4WHEREAS, The tree has proved to be a valuable component of
5our environment by providing us with natural aesthetics for
6landscaping, a biological tool to control water and wind
7erosion, a renewable source of food, fuel and lumber for man, a
8habitat for birds and wildlife and a natural producer of oxygen
9and water through the process of transpiration; and

10WHEREAS, The original "Arbor Day" was observed with the
11planting of more than a million trees; and

12WHEREAS, Scientists, environmentalists, foresters and
13government officials throughout the world are increasingly
14alarmed about the significant clearing and destruction of the
15forests of the world and are now exploring the feasibility of

1large-scale reforestation programs as a means of preventing a
2possible adverse climate change such as global warming; and

3WHEREAS, "Arbor Day" has been designated by many states as a
4time to recognize the importance of trees to our environment;
5and

6WHEREAS, "Arbor Day" is now celebrated throughout the United
7States and in countries around the world; and

8WHEREAS, The last Friday in April is commonly held to be the
9day to celebrate "Arbor Day"; therefore be it

10RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives hereby recognize
11April 26, 2013, as "Arbor Day"; and be it further

12RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives ask that citizens
13and communities throughout this Commonwealth, individually and
14collectively, engage in the celebration of "Arbor Day" by
15planting trees in appropriate public places as a source of
16future enjoyment and civic pride; and be it further

17RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be conveyed to the
18Governor and the Senate to solicit their support of this
19recognition.