WHEREAS, Thornton Wilder wrote, "The planting of trees is the least self-centered of all that we can do"; and

WHEREAS, the last Friday in April of each year has been established as Arbor Day in the State of Nevada (NRS 236-018); and

WHEREAS, April 25, 2008, will be celebrated nationally as Arbor Day, and all Nevadans including school student-bodies are encouraged to support Arbor Day by planting trees and shrubs; and

WHEREAS, trees are a gift to our children and their children, therefore, Nevada’s citizens are encouraged to celebrate the new millennium and plant a gift for future generations; and

WHEREAS, trees are an increasingly vital resource in Nevada today, enriching our lives by purifying the air, reducing erosions of our soil by wind and water, conserving water and energy, serving as recreational settings, and providing habitat for wildlife of all kinds; and

WHEREAS, trees in our cities increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and create beautiful landscapes to make our communities more livable; and

WHEREAS, Nevada is the fastest growing state in the nation, and the planting of trees and shrubs is a means of preserving and enhancing Nevada’s natural beauty; and

WHEREAS, individuals can act locally to improve the environment by planting trees and ensuring that these trees are protected and receive proper maintenance in the years ahead; and

WHEREAS, perhaps the most valuable gift a tree has to offer is the oxygen it produces for us to breathe;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 25, 2008, as

ARBOR DAY
"Plant a Tree – Improve the Environment"