Simi Valley Celebrates 26th Year as Tree City USA While Preparing for Earth Day Events
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The city council chambers filled with talk of trees and environmental stewardship this week as Simi Valley received recognition for its 26th consecutive year as a Tree City USA, while officials proclaimed both Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations for the community.
Marcos Barba, a forestry aide with CAL FIRE, presented the Tree City USA designation to the city during Monday's council meeting. The recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation requires communities to meet four specific criteria: maintaining a tree board or department, establishing a tree care ordinance, funding a community forestry program with at least $2 per capita annually, and holding an Arbor Day proclamation and observance.
"Since 2000, the City of Simi Valley shows dedication to restoring, enhancing and maintaining your community's urban forestry by meeting or exceeding these standards," Barba said. "It's my pleasure on behalf of CAL FIRE and the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize your achievement."
Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh, who previously served on the city's tree advisory committee, noted the visible difference trees make throughout the community. "If you drive through Simi Valley, look at all our trees and you go to other communities, they don't have the trees that we do," Cavanaugh said. "It really makes a difference in our climate, but it just makes a difference in feeling good and seeing a beautiful city."
The council proclaimed the week of April 20th as Arbor Week and designated April 24th as Arbor Day. The tradition dates back to 1872, when the first Arbor Day celebration led to the planting of more than one million trees across the nation.
Environmental recognition continued as Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki presented the Earth Day proclamation, declaring April 22nd as Earth Day in Simi Valley. The observance traces its roots to April 22, 1970, when the first Earth Day led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later that year.
"Their mission is to protect human health and the environment, ensuring clean air, land and water," Fuchiwaki explained during his presentation. Deputy Public Works Director Wanda Moyer accepted the proclamation.
The proclamations set the stage for several community events designed to engage residents in environmental stewardship. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District will host celebrations on Friday, April 24th, beginning with an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at Citrus Grove Park before moving to Atherwood Park for Earth Day festivities from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Atherwood Park event will feature park beautification planting activities, take-home flower projects, vendor booths, and mobile recreation activities. RSRPD staff members will engage children in educational activities focused on protecting natural resources and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the city will partner with the Simi Valley school district for an Earth Day event and open house at Monte Vista School on Thursday, April 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m. The collaboration represents a joint effort between the city, park district, and school district to educate the community about environmental responsibility.
During the council meeting, Mayor Cavanaugh highlighted the work of the city's landscape team, particularly noting the water-saving landscaping visible throughout the community. Moyer credited her landscape team for the hands-on work while acknowledging her role in securing funding for environmental projects.
The dual proclamations reflect ongoing environmental commitments that extend beyond ceremonial recognition. The Tree City USA designation requires sustained investment in urban forestry, while Earth Day activities focus community attention on broader environmental stewardship.
For many residents, the visible results of these efforts appear in the tree-lined streets and water-conscious landscaping that distinguish Simi Valley from neighboring communities. The city's 26-year track record as Tree City USA demonstrates consistency in environmental priorities across multiple administrations and council compositions.
The upcoming celebrations offer residents practical ways to participate in environmental stewardship, from tree planting to learning about sustainable landscaping practices. These activities connect individual actions to broader environmental goals while fostering community engagement around shared environmental values.
The April events provide opportunities for residents to learn about local environmental initiatives and sustainable practices that can extend beyond the celebration days.
