Latest news with #ArborDay
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Hamilton Gears Up For A Busy Planting Season
Press Release – Hamilton City Council With the goal of planting 15,000 native plants on Arbor Day, Hamilton schools, workplaces and residents are invited to come along, pick up a spade, and lend a hand from 10am 1.30pm. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and do your bit to restore nature in Hamilton Kirikiriroa. Cooler weather means planting season starts soon, with the 2025 calendar set to be bigger than ever. As well as the popular annual Arbor Day, Hamilton residents also have the opportunity to get involved in two Plantathon events and a new Plant and Ride initiative as part of Hamilton City Council's Nature in the City programme. (Photo/Supplied) Parks and Recreation Unit Director Maria Barrie said the efforts put in to plant native trees during planting season will go a long way to help achieve the city's long-term vision. 'The Nature in the City Strategy aims to increase Hamilton's native vegetation cover to 10% by 2050. We only have 25 years left to reach this ambitious goal and can't do it alone – we need as many nature-loving volunteers as possible to help us shape a greener city for future generations.' This year's community planting events will kick off with Arbor Day on Thursday 5 June, which will this year be held at a new location, Minogue Park. With the goal of planting 15,000 native plants on Arbor Day, Hamilton schools, workplaces and residents are invited to come along, pick up a spade, and lend a hand from 10am – 1.30pm. Hamilton City Councillor Anna Casey-Cox encourages people to get behind the cause. 'We have so many amazing and dedicated volunteers, schools and community groups in our city who weed and plant our gullies and forests all year long. This Arbor Day and planting season is an opportunity to get behind them, tautoko their important work and help nature thrive,' Casey-Cox said. Special guests from the Kids in Nature programme will be at Arbor Day to educate attendees on introduced predators, bees, and Aotearoa's native lizards. Tours around Lake Rotokaeo and the surrounding bush will be available for anyone interested on the day. Barrie says more native plants will not only enhance the environment and support our native wildlife, but will also benefit those that live and spend time here. 'We know being around nature can be magic for people's wellbeing. By restoring more nature for people to connect with, we can help improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians.' In July, two Saturday planting events will be held at different parks in Hamilton to provide more opportunities for residents to get involved in restoring nature in the city. Plantathon 2025 will take place at: Caernarvon Park, Dinsdale on Saturday 5 July, 11am – 1pm Tauhara Park, Queenwood on Saturday 12 July, 11am – 1pm. This will be the second year that Plantathon has been held in Hamilton, following three successful events in 2024 held at Sandford Park, Hillcrest Stadium, and Minogue Park. This year will also mark the start of a new community planting opportunity Plant and Ride on Saturday 9 August from 11am – 2pm. This unique event will encourage Hamiltonians to get out in the fresh air and cycle, scooter, or stroll along the river path to three different planting sites. The Saturday events aim to make community planting more accessible for families and working individuals to come along to participate. Those wanting to find out more about the upcoming planting events and register their interest can do so via Nature in the City's new volunteering platform at Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Hamilton Gears Up For A Busy Planting Season
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and do your bit to restore nature in Hamilton Kirikiriroa. Cooler weather means planting season starts soon, with the 2025 calendar set to be bigger than ever. As well as the popular annual Arbor Day, Hamilton residents also have the opportunity to get involved in two Plantathon events and a new Plant and Ride initiative as part of Hamilton City Council's Nature in the City programme. Parks and Recreation Unit Director Maria Barrie said the efforts put in to plant native trees during planting season will go a long way to help achieve the city's long-term vision. 'The Nature in the City Strategy aims to increase Hamilton's native vegetation cover to 10% by 2050. We only have 25 years left to reach this ambitious goal and can't do it alone – we need as many nature-loving volunteers as possible to help us shape a greener city for future generations.' This year's community planting events will kick off with Arbor Day on Thursday 5 June, which will this year be held at a new location, Minogue Park. With the goal of planting 15,000 native plants on Arbor Day, Hamilton schools, workplaces and residents are invited to come along, pick up a spade, and lend a hand from 10am – 1.30pm. Hamilton City Councillor Anna Casey-Cox encourages people to get behind the cause. 'We have so many amazing and dedicated volunteers, schools and community groups in our city who weed and plant our gullies and forests all year long. This Arbor Day and planting season is an opportunity to get behind them, tautoko their important work and help nature thrive,' Casey-Cox said. Special guests from the Kids in Nature programme will be at Arbor Day to educate attendees on introduced predators, bees, and Aotearoa's native lizards. Tours around Lake Rotokaeo and the surrounding bush will be available for anyone interested on the day. Barrie says more native plants will not only enhance the environment and support our native wildlife, but will also benefit those that live and spend time here. 'We know being around nature can be magic for people's wellbeing. By restoring more nature for people to connect with, we can help improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians.' In July, two Saturday planting events will be held at different parks in Hamilton to provide more opportunities for residents to get involved in restoring nature in the city. Plantathon 2025 will take place at: Caernarvon Park, Dinsdale on Saturday 5 July, 11am – 1pm Tauhara Park, Queenwood on Saturday 12 July, 11am – 1pm. This will be the second year that Plantathon has been held in Hamilton, following three successful events in 2024 held at Sandford Park, Hillcrest Stadium, and Minogue Park. This year will also mark the start of a new community planting opportunity Plant and Ride on Saturday 9 August from 11am – 2pm. This unique event will encourage Hamiltonians to get out in the fresh air and cycle, scooter, or stroll along the river path to three different planting sites. The Saturday events aim to make community planting more accessible for families and working individuals to come along to participate. Those wanting to find out more about the upcoming planting events and register their interest can do so via Nature in the City's new volunteering platform at
Associated Press
16-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Florida's Tree Care Practices Prevent Outages, Earn 19th Consecutive Year of National Recognition
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 16, 2025 /3BL/ - The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Duke Energy Florida for its tree care practices by naming the company a 'Tree Line USA' utility for the 19th year in a row. Duke Energy achieved Tree Line USA status by meeting certain criteria such as following industry standards for quality tree care, including proper pruning, annually training employees and contractors in best practices, sponsoring tree plantings and public education programs, and participating in annual Arbor Day events. One such event is Duke Energy's annual tree giveaway in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees program. Each January, Duke Energy customers can order a free tree in honor of Florida Arbor Day. Since 2017, the company has given away more than 15,000 trees to customers throughout the state. The program helps customers conserve energy and reduce energy bills through strategic tree planting. The trees are shipped in 1-gallon buckets directly to customers' homes with planting and care instructions in time for National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25. 'Trees are a vital part of Florida's natural landscape, but they can also cause power outages during powerful storms,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'Through our many tree giveaways and programs, we show customers how they can help prevent power outages by making sure the tree they plant in their yard is the right tree in the right place.' Throughout the year, Duke Energy schedules periodic vegetation maintenance along power lines to minimize outages caused by trees in or near transmission and distribution rights of way. The company also performs additional maintenance ahead of hurricane season. Duke Energy makes every effort to notify customers in advance of vegetation management by going door to door, by sending postcards or letters, or through digital communications. Tree maintenance practices vary based on the voltage and type of line, as well as the type of tree and its proximity to the line. In some cases, the tree may need to be cut down to provide safe and reliable operation of the line. Trees located within the rights of way of high-voltage transmission lines are generally removed instead of pruned. 'We understand that customers often have concerns when trees are trimmed or removed in their neighborhoods,' Seixas said. 'We follow industry standards and federal requirements to protect the health of the trees during trimming while also ensuring the integrity of power lines to continue providing the safe, reliable service we all depend on.' It is important to remember that customers, property owners and untrained contractors should not prune or cut trees and plants near power lines. In addition, when planting trees near power lines, be sure to select a low-growing variety to minimize impact to the lines. Also, contact Sunshine 811 before digging to locate any underground utilities, which are often located in utility easements. For more information about planning and planting vegetation around electrical facilities, please visit Duke Energy's Right Tree Right Place website. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Media contact: Laitin SterlingMedia line: 800.559.3853 View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muscatine earns Tree City USA recognition for 33rd year in a row
Muscatine has once again earned national recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking the 33rd consecutive year the city has received the honor for its strong commitment to tree planting, maintenance, and environmental stewardship. 'Being named a Tree City USA for over three decades is no small feat,' said Matt Mardesen, city administrator. 'It's a reflection of our community's shared values—clean air, green spaces, and a healthier future for the next generation.' The Tree City USA program recognizes cities that meet four core standards: having a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing at least $2 per resident in urban forestry, and hosting an annual Arbor Day celebration. Muscatine has consistently met and exceeded these requirements. 'We're proud of the work our Parks and Recreation team and volunteers do every year to maintain our tree canopy,' said Melissa Baker, park maintenance supervisor. 'Trees don't just beautify our neighborhoods—they improve mental health, reduce flooding, and make our city more resilient.' Trees provide a wide range of benefits to Muscatine residents: they cool down streets and homes, reduce storm water runoff, boost property values, and improve overall well-being. The Arbor Day Foundation notes that planting the right tree in the right place also helps cut energy costs and traffic noise. 'We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Muscatine are leading the way,' said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Muscatine is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.' Muscatine's designation is part of a nationwide movement supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, the USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. Since its founding in 1972, the Foundation and its partners have helped plant more than 500 million trees in more than 60 countries. For more information about Tree City USA or how to participate, visit here. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. With a global network of more than 1 million members and partners, the Foundation is working toward a greener, healthier future—one tree at a time. Learn more here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Arboreal thuggery': Two men found guilty of cutting down beloved Sycamore Gap tree
'Arboreal thuggery': Two men found guilty of cutting down beloved Sycamore Gap tree Show Caption Hide Caption Arbor Day: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees Arbor Day began in Nebraska in the late 1800s. Here's everything you need to know about the holiday all about trees and nature. LONDON − A British court convicted two men of cutting down a tree in northern England that captivated hearts and minds and was made Hollywood-famous, in a "deliberate and mindless act of destruction." Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were convicted May 9 of two counts of criminal damage for felling the so-called Sycamore Gap tree on Sept. 27, 2023. The tree majestically stood in a grassy beauty spot near an ancient wall built by Roman Emperor Hadrian almost 2,000 years ago. "The Sycamore Gap has been an iconic natural landmark in the North East of England, bringing immeasurable joy to those visiting the area," the Crown Prosecution Service, a national agency that works with police and courts to keep the public safe, said in a statement. "In just under three minutes, Graham and Carruthers ended its historic legacy." 'Princess Diana' moment: Why UK is heartbroken by a grisly murder whose victim was a tree For many, the Sycamore Gap tree was an icon of remembrance, making memories and marking time. The tree was planted in the late 1800s and estimated to be almost 200 years old when it was felled. It stood at the center of a pronounced dip in a landscape of rolling hills alongside Hadrian's Wall. The tree was a place for first kisses, marriage proposals, birthday celebrations and intimate ceremonies. It won Britain's National Tree of the Year competition in 2016 and its scenic location was a popular spot for hikers, photographers and stargazers. It featured in the 1991 movie, "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," starring the actors Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. In the movie, a young boy is pursued by soldiers with dogs for stealing the Sheriff of Nottingham's − played by Alan Rickman − livestock to feed his starving family. The boy hides aloft in the Sycamore Gap tree's branches. His pursuers take out axes to cut down tree before he is saved by Robin of Loxley (Costner) and his trusted bodyguard, friend and adviser, Azeem (Freeman). A national treasure "This wasn't just a tree," said Sarah Dodd, a British lawyer who specializes in tree law. "It was a national treasure." Steve Blair is the manager of Twice Brewed Inn, a family-owned pub and hotel where walkers often gathered for a meal and cozy pint by the fire before making the picturesque one-mile walk to the tree. He said he knew "one gentleman who sprinkled his wife's ashes at the tree's base because it was such an important place for her." When the tree was felled, it landed near where her ashes were sprinkled. "He finds that really offensive, you know?" Graham and Carruthers, who denied cutting the tree down, will be sentenced on July 15. They were found guilty after an eight-day trial at Newcastle crown court. It took the jury five hours to reach unanimous verdicts. The judge in the case said they would face a lengthy jail sentence. The prosecutor, Richard Wright, described the crime as a "moronic mission" and the "arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery."
