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Alamosa marks Arbor Day and recognizes local volunteers and educators; city introduces new firefighters and Explorer program participants
Summary
Council read a proclamation for Arbor Day, presented a state tree-coalition distinguished service award to Marilyn Loescher, recognized Michelle Wilson as Colorado’s 2025 distinguished elementary principal, and the fire department introduced new firefighters and youth fire explorers.
Mayor Ty Coleman read a proclamation declaring Friday, April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Alamosa and urged residents to support tree-planting and tree-care efforts.
The city’s tree board and Parks & Recreation staff used the ceremony to present Marilyn Loescher with the Colorado Tree Coalition’s Community Distinguished Service Award. Andy Rice, parks staff, said Ms. Loescher served roughly 10 years on the tree board and led efforts that helped the city secure multiple planting and maintenance grants.
“Her dedication has inspired and engaged countless residents in planting and caring for trees,” Rice said while presenting the award.
Tree-board members also briefed council on the city’s 35th consecutive year as a Tree City USA and described a pending U.S. Forest Service/Iron Reduction Act urban-forestry grant application worth roughly $200,000 to support plantings focused on the city’s south side. The board announced an upcoming public tree-planting event with the Boys & Girls Club and a street-tree cost-share program that subsidizes up to $250 or 75 percent of a street-tree purchase, whichever is less.
Councilors praised the board’s long-term work and noted the planning and volunteer training that supports maintenance and canopy growth.
Separately, the council issued a proclamation recognizing Michelle Wilson as the 2025 Colorado Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year. Wilson, principal at Alamosa Elementary, told council, “I love this community...it takes all of us,” and thanked staff and colleagues for their support.
Fire Department leadership introduced four new firefighters — Jose Alporta, Jaden Isanaga (sp.), Joseph Rivera and Ryan Haney — and presented a roster of five youth fire explorers who will participate in training and community outreach. Explorer coordinator Adam Lopez and Captain Esteban Alonzo described the program’s hands-on training and the value of early recruitment; several councilors thanked the department for the investment in youth programming.
Why it matters: The awards and proclamations highlight multi-decade volunteer and staff contributions to Alamosa’s urban canopy and schools. The fire-department introductions signal near-term growth in emergency services capacity and a continuing youth recruitment pipeline.
