A MONTH of arbor-themed activities will take place after Gov. David Apatang and Lt. Governor Dennis Mendiola officially declared October CNMI Arbor Month. This year’s theme is “Planting Trees for a Resilient Tomorrow.”
Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola and Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan Igisomar plant a flame tree while Gov. David M. Apatang waits to water it in honor of CNMI Arbor Month. – Photo by Andrew Roberto
The proclamation and its activities were planned by the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, CNMI Forestry, and Pacific Coastal Research and Planning.
Upcoming events
On Oct. 4 and 11, the organizations will host Arbor Month book readings for children at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. On Oct. 10, a trivia night with an arbor theme is scheduled at Marianas Creations. CNMI Arbor Day, observed on Oct. 14, will include the planting of fruit and shade trees around the Capital Hill Softball Field, pickleball court, and playground.
Mangrove trees will be planted at American Memorial Park on Oct.17; this event will not be open to the public. That evening at 6 p.m., MINA will host its 20th Green Gala, the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year, which supports Arbor Month and other environmental projects.
Voices from the community
David Combs of CNMI Forestry said the goal of Arbor Month is to “raise awareness about the value of trees and forests, encourage tree planting, and stimulate a new generation of foresters to promote sustainable forest management for environmental and human benefits.”
He added, “We need to plant for the future. We need to plant and give something to our next generation. It’s time to talk about what we’re going to plant, where we’re going to plant, how we’re going to plant, and then work together so we can all move forward in an organized way.”
The Arbor Month proclamation states that trees contribute to “cleaner air, preservation of precious soils, the enhancement of biodiversity,” and the natural beauty of the islands.
Governor Apatang said he “loves trees” and hopes CNMI Forestry can focus on planting flame trees around the island to replace those that have died or fallen.
“Let’s plant those trees around the community,” he said. “I know you [CNMI Forestry] have a lot of plants back there, whether fruit trees or others. We can plant those around the island so visitors can enjoy the fruits.”
Tree plantings kick off
At the conclusion of the proclamation signing, Apatang and Lt. Governor Mendiola planted a flame tree and a lemon tree on the grounds of the governor’s office, symbolizing the start of Arbor Month celebrations.
Stay connected
To stay up to date with Arbor Month activities, follow MINA on Instagram at @minaoutreach or CNMI Forestry at @cnmiforestry/.
For more information about MINA Green Gala tickets, go to https://www.minapacific.org/.
