Arbor Day Report 2024

ARBOR DAY 2024 REPORT

I Speak For the Trees!

INTRODUCTION EVENT OVERVIEW ARBOR COMMITTEE FUN FACTS EVENT STATISTICS VAQUERO VOICES THANK YOU

ARBOR DAY

Arbor Day has its roots in 1872, when Julius Sterling Morton, a passionate advocate for agriculture and At the University of Texas Rio conservation, proposed a day dedicated to planting Grande Valley (UTRGV), our trees. The state of Nebraska embraced the idea, dedication to sustainability goes and on the very first Arbor Day, over one million hand in hand with fostering a trees were planted. Since then, the celebration has deeper connection to nature. spread across the nation and the world.

Arbor Day is the perfect occasion for us to celebrate that commitment, uniting students, faculty, and staff in the shared mission of creating a greener, healthier campus and community.

It is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April, though it varies in timing across the United States to align with the best planting seasons for each region.

In Texas, we celebrate Arbor Day on the first Friday in November, a time better suited for tree planting in our warm climate.

EVENT Texas Arbor Day celebrated their 10-year anniversary on November 8, with the company of the young students at the UTRGV Child Development Center in Edinburg.

Hosted by the Office for Sustainability, UTRGV’s partnership with Tree Campus USA, a program to acknowledge campus conservation initiatives, held a brief ceremony to commemorate the planting of a Cedar Elm native tree. Known for its unique resilience to Texas weather, this tree is an ideal choice for UTRGV Child Development Center because of its minimal maintenance and child safety properties.

Special Guests: Dr. Raquenel Sanchez, Director of UTRGV Child Development Center Dr. Alexis Racelis, Program Director of Agroecology & Urban Forestry Research Class Mr. Allen Williams, Director of Educational Habitat, Landscaping, & Gardens for Region I Mr. Leonel Duran, City of Edinburg Official Mr. Carlos Garcia Patlan, Texas A&M Forestry Service UTRGV Grounds & Community (Campus Facilities Team)

OVERVIEW WEIVREVO TNEVE

NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION TO PLANT MORE TREES

The wonderful addition to the UTRGV community instilled an important message to the children, to care for the trees, especially the Cedar Elm planted in the playground area and learn to love nature for a better, more sustainable future.

UTRGV proudly holds the prestigious recognition of Tree Campus USA, as we are one out of two other university campuses in the UT system to hold this award. To improve, support, and celebrate urban forestry throughout the UTRGV campuses and unite sustainable efforts within the South Texas community.

Dr. Alexis Racelis directed a hands-on learning experience for his Urban Forestry class during the event to explain the planting preparation of the Cedar Elm tree.

Sharing biology concepts to properly plant a solid foundation to the tree that will last up to 100 years.

In addition, Mr. Leonel Duran, an official representative of the City of Edinburg, attended the event as a key member of the UTRGV Tree Campus committee and community stake holder to plant more trees and combat environmental harm as the city of Edinburg continues to grow. Nonetheless, ending the Texas Arbor Day celebration as a milestone to strive towards an improvement to planet Earth and greatly appreciating the Campus Facilities team for their never-ending effort to beautify UTRGV.

COMMITTEE Welcome to the UTRGV Tree Campus Committee At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, our commitment to the environment and sustainability is reflected in every tree we plant and care for on campus. As a proud participant in Tree Campus Higher Education, UTRGV is recognized for its efforts to preserve and enhance our natural surroundings, while promoting environmental education and awareness among students, staff, and the entire university community.

Nick Kennedy,

Dr. Alexis Racelis

Grounds Supervisor

Dr. Christopher Gabler

Abraham Hernandez,

Leonel Duran,

Assistant VP for Campus Facilities Operation

City Forester of Edinburg

Bill Green,

RGV Community Ecologist

What Does the Tree Campus Committee Do? The Tree Campus Committee meets quarterly to plan events, educational activities, and tree planting ceremonies that foster respect for and conservation of the environment. Our committee includes faculty, university staff, conservation experts, and students who are passionate about sustainability. Together, we discuss ideas to improve the care of our green spaces and organize events that inspire others to join our mission.

Stephanie Trujillo Program Coordinator

Carlos Garcia Patlan, RGV Community Ecologist

Jeremy San Miguel, Interm Director for Sustainability

Jonathan Leal Student Representative

Emmalucia Elizondo Student Representative

FUN FACT The cedar elm is a Texas native tree known for its unique, rough-textured leaves and resilience to the Texas climate. With a lifespan often over a hundred years and wood prized for durability, cedar elms add both beauty and practicality to our environment, making them a wonderful addition to our community.

The cedar elm is an ideal choice for the Child’s Development Center because it’s both kid-friendly and low-maintenance. Unlike other trees, it doesn’t drop messy seeds or pods, keeping play areas clean and safe for children to play.

VAQUERO A closed event marked the 10th celebration of UTRGV’s Arbor Day Ceremony with over 85 guests comprising of 40% staff, 25% children, 20% researchers, 10% students, and 5% faculty.

10%

5%

40%

20%

25% Staff

Faculty

Researchers

Children Students

ATTENDANCE

VAQUERO VOICES “It is the second time

“My hope is that these

I’ve attended this event

children will want to plant

and we feel very blessed that

more trees, be outside, and be

we get these trees planted in our

able to notice the benefits from

department.”

planting trees.”

“The Cedar Elm Tree is more drought-resistant, making it a better fit for this area.

Its defining features include rougher leaves and bark that’s a bit flaky, which “It is better to take care

– Audrey,

– Allen Williams, Director of Educational Habitat, Landscaping, and Gardens for Region

UTRGV Student, UTRGV Agroecology Club

earned it the name ‘Cedar Elm’.”

of the trees now with a good, solid foundation. Similar to how we are teaching the small children

– City of Edinburg Official

here today, to build a strong foundation for them as well,”

“All trees produce

– Dr. Alexis Racelis,

seeds in some form, so

UTRGV program director

this one may shed small seed

of Agroecology

pods or leaves, but it won’t drop large acorns or fruits that could pose a safety risk.”

– City of Edinburg Official

THANK YOU VAQUEROS Thank you for taking the time to read through our UTRGV Arbor Day report. We hope it provided meaningful insight into the importance of Arbor Day, not only as a celebration of nature but also as an opportunity for action.

At UTRGV, Arbor Day embodies our shared commitment to sustainability and community engagement, and we’re grateful to have the chance to share these efforts with you.

We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who made this Arbor Day celebration so special. From the students and faculty to researchers, staff, community members, and the children who participated, your dedication and energy brought this event to life, inspiring us all to continue working toward a greener, more sustainable future.

We sincerely appreciate your dedication to learning more about our work and encourage you to continue being a part of these important conversations.

Sincerely,

- UTRGV Office for Sustainability