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Duneden proclaims April 18, 2026, Arbor Day; city to host tree giveaway
Summary
Commissioner Steve Sanberen read an Arbor Day proclamation and the city announced a free tree giveaway April 18 at 1659 Virginia Street; staff urged residents to plant Florida-native, salt- and drought-tolerant trees to rebuild canopy lost in recent storms.
Duneden—s commission on the morning of the meeting approved an Arbor Day proclamation designating Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Arbor Day in the city and urged residents to support tree-protection and planting efforts. Commissioner Steve Sanberen read the proclamation, noting Duneden—s status as a Tree City USA and asking citizens to "support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations."
City staff said the municipal tree giveaway will start at 8:00 a.m. April 18 at Achiea Credit Union corporate headquarters, 1659 Virginia Street, and emphasized species selection suited to local conditions. Rick Warner, who leads the event program for the city, told the commission the city expanded its offerings this year to include seven additional Florida-native species chosen for moderate-to-high salt and drought tolerance so residents would find trees that are easier to plant and care for after recent hurricanes and droughts. Warner said the city will continue to encourage oaks and pines while also offering smaller ornamental-to-shade species to increase canopy across neighborhoods.
Commissioners and staff discussed coordinating the giveaway with Duke Energy—s "right tree, right place" guidance and distributing educational materials. Duke and city staff said the utility can provide literature and outreach about planting choices to avoid future conflicts with power lines and to maximize shade benefits.
The proclamation and giveaway are intended as part of an ongoing push to restore tree canopy that, officials said, has been diminished by recent extreme weather and pests. The city asked residents planning to plant trees to consult the guidance that will be available at the giveaway and on the city—s website.
The commission took no formal vote beyond the issuance of the proclamation, and staff said they will follow up with outreach materials and coordinated messaging ahead of the April 18 event.
