Even though known as a village in a forest by the sea, Carmel almost lost its remarkable urban forest once a time. Preserving the city’s natural wonder, such as the native Monterey pines, cypress and coastal live oaks, became an issue in the late 1960s.
Today, support for the Carmel forest is overwhelming. Apart from an official forester, there is also a commission that oversees tree concerns and an active nonprofit group devoted to caring for trees.
For that reason, citizens living in Carmel CA Homes celebrate their own Arbor Day, a joint project of Friends of the Carmel Forest and the City of Carmel’s Forest and Beach Commission.
The highlight of this year’s Carmel Arbor Day event on Oct 17 is an art and photography competition. The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $250. Art entries will be judged by Carmel Art Association’s Dick Crispo and Jan Wagstaff and the photos by representatives of the Center for the Photographic Art. Entries will be on display for viewing.
The event will include a program with welcoming remarks from Mayor Sue McCloud. Forest and Beach commissioner Thomas Leverone will also provide information on Carmel’s forest management plan. The program will also feature art gallery owner James J Rieser’s keynote address and slideshow presentation on “ The Iconic Trees of Carmel” that will show how famous artists of the past were inspired by the city’s trees.
Residents of Carmel CA Homes started celebrating their Arbor Day in 2006, as a manner of providing information and foster discussion on concerns related to living within the urban forest of Carmel.
Protecting the forest for citizens of Carmel CA Homes is important as these trees are integral part of Carmel’s history, art and beauty and are what attract many to visit and stay there.
Admission to the Carmel Arbor Day event is free and everyone will acquire information on native trees and advice on how to care for them. Handouts and packet of Carmel Forest note cards, designed by famous local cartoonist, will be given to attendees.
