The Wellington Tree Board meeting on March 5, 2025, focused on preparations for the upcoming Earth and Arbor Day event, scheduled to take place at the amphitheater. The meeting highlighted the need for volunteers for the Great American Cleanup, which will begin at 9:30 AM and conclude around 10:30 AM. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact volunteer coordinator Gus Ponce for more information.
The Earth and Arbor Day event will feature eco-friendly vendors, activities, and a raffle for a fire bush. The opening ceremony will include a welcome from the council, recognition of flower award recipients, and a butterfly release, which has been popular in previous years. Additionally, the annual tree planting will involve council members and Smokey the Bear, with plans to plant a sweet bay magnolia.
The meeting also discussed the inclusion of youth activities, such as seed planting, which was well-received last year. This year, children will have the opportunity to plant edible seeds, including tomatoes and basil. The board expressed a desire for members to volunteer at the seed planting booth.
A significant topic of discussion was the importance of water conservation, especially during the current drought conditions. Board members emphasized the need for educational materials on water-saving devices and practices. They plan to distribute pamphlets on water usage and are considering inviting representatives from the Public Works Water Department to provide additional information.
The theme for this year's Earth Day is "Our Power, Our Planet," and the board is exploring the possibility of having vendors focused on renewable energy. They are in contact with local energy companies to facilitate discussions on renewable resources.
The meeting concluded with logistical details about the event, including the layout of vendor booths and the coordination of activities. The board is optimistic about the upcoming event and its potential to engage the community in environmental awareness and action.