In 1872, Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees.  This holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.  Since that time the City of Port Jervis has joined the Arbor Day Celebration and has been listed as a Tree City USA recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for Twenty Seven years.

Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife.  Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other products.

Healthy trees in our city increase property values, enhance economic vitality and add to the beauty of our neighborhoods.  Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal and that is why Arbor Day is now observed throughout the United States as well as around the world.

Today, April 25, 2015 was proclaimed Arbor Day in Port Jervis, by Mayor Decker, and he urges all citizens to add to the beauty of our City by planting a tree or shrub and support the efforts to protect trees. woodlands and beautify our city.  During the ceremony led by City Historian Dick Roberts were several speakers including Roberts, Mayor Decker, CDA Director Valerie Maginsky, Community Service Saturday’s co-coordinator Cheryl Teets and local Adopt-A-Tree program director Jim Blanton.  A few dozen city residents came out to celebrate this ceremony that took place at the Erie Railroad Turntable to kick off the beautification of our down town gem.  Several trees, shrubs and plants were planted with more to come.

Thanks to all who participated.