Gilroy To Plant Trees At Rainbow Park

GILROY, CA — A Gilroy collective will branch out of the office Tuesday to plant trees in honor of Arbor Day.

Three Chinese Pistache trees will go into the ground at Rainbow Park at 5:30 p.m., thanks to representatives from Gilroy city council and staff including the Parks and Recreation Commission in Rainbow Park located at 980 Mantelli Drive.

Residents of all ages are invited to join in on the tree planting and celebration for Arbor Day, which in Latin stands for tree.

The first Arbor Day in the world occurred in the Spanish village of Mondonedo in 1594. Trees were recognized at the time as life forms that promote health, decoration, nature and customs. The first U.S. Arbor Day happened April 10, 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska when one million trees were planted.

Trees are a valued part of the Gilroy community with efforts taken communitywide to preserve the
urban forest. In 1980, the city of Gilroy reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the tree canopy by receiving the designation as a "tree city" through the Arbor Day Foundation.

“The tree city designation not only reaffirms our commitment and celebration of trees, but also
provides visibility to visitors and prospective businesses that the quality life is better here in Gilroy,” Mayor Roland Velasco said.

Aside from the natural aesthetic benefit, a bountiful tree population provides many additional assets to the community including cleaner air, shade, lower energy costs and storm water control.

“We are excited to add a few more trees to Rainbow Park and hope residents will join us in celebration and recognition of the value that trees add to our community,” Parks and Recreation Commission Chairwoman Patricia Bentson said.

The three trees to be planted were donated by West Coast Arborists. The planting will take place at the park located at 980 Mantelli Dr.