January is recognized as the best time of year to plant trees in Florida with the third Friday of the month set aside as Florida Arbor Day.

Orange County, a certified Green Local Government, recognizes that planting and nurturing trees reduces its carbon footprint, thus helping to prevent global warming.

 Orange County is committed to the health and value of its urban tree canopy and supports the care and planting of trees.

 Orange County has a Tree Ordinance and Tree Office to ensure tree protection.

 Orange County is committed to giving native trees to citizens for residential planting through its Streetscape and Adopt-a-Tree programs.

 These efforts have earned Orange County certification as a Tree City USA community.

 The planting of trees moderates temperatures, cleans the air, and produces oxygen.

 Trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community.

 Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in him as Orange County Mayor, does hereby proclaim Tuesday, January 27, 2009, as ARBOR DAY in Orange County, Florida, and calls upon all citizens to support efforts to protect and nurture our community's trees and to plant trees to gladden hearts, provide wildlife habitat, and promote the well being of present and future generations.