Mesa marks Arbor Day, spotlights Tree Stewards program and million-tree effort

Mesa City Council on April 21 recognized Arbor Day and heard city and partner representatives describe the Mesa Tree Stewards volunteer program and a related million-tree initiative aimed at increasing local canopy cover.

The recognition matters because the city and its partners say the work improves shade, air quality and climate resilience while targeting neighborhoods with greater need. Stefan Addison introduced program partners and the council joined presenters for a ceremonial photo.

Stefan Addison introduced members of the volunteer program and thanked local partners. Ashley, a project organizer and educator with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, said the Tree Stewards program provides hands-on training in tree installation, care and urban-forestry advocacy and that graduates commit to roughly 10 hours of volunteer service annually. "The Mesa Tree Stewards are a dedicated group of volunteers who complete hands on training courses focused on the installation, care, and maintenance of trees," Ashley said.

Ashley described two completed cohorts: one planting 94 trees at Sherwood Park that she said directly served about 3,400 residents within a 10-minute walk of the park; a second cohort she said planted 77 trees between Whittier Elementary School and nearby neighborhoods, serving students and households she identified in her remarks. Ashley said two cohorts have graduated 32 stewards so far and that additional cohorts and plantings are planned.

Jake, identified as director of Southwest Urban Forestry with American Forests, said his organization is partnering with the city to improve tree equity and to support a "million tree initiative" for 2025 and beyond. "At American Forest, we believe that every neighborhood should have the benefits that come with a healthy tree canopy," Jake said.

Presenters said the local Tree Stewards project received federal funding (identified in the presentation as IRA-funded) and that the current planting work is intended to increase canopy cover by an estimated 3 to 5 percent in targeted parks, schools and nearby residential areas. Presenters encouraged residents to sign up for future cohorts and noted a QR code for more information.

The council did not take a formal vote on new policy during the recognition; presenters and council members took a group photo and the meeting proceeded to the consent agenda.