1980s - Tree City USA
Mary Lou Howard (left) and an unidentified city official hold a Tree City USA banner during a 1980s ceremony outside Burbank's Olive Recreation Center. Howard was a Burbank city council member between 1979 and 1991, and served two terms as mayor, 1982-1983 and 1985-1986. Seated in the background is Mary Kelsey and an unidentified man. Kelsey was a city council member from 1985 to 1988, and served one term as mayor, 1986-1987. Waving behind the banner in the center of the photo is mascot, Spunky Squirrel, sporting his yellow Spunky cap. Tree City USA began in 1976 as part of a Bicentennial program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in association with the USDA Forest Service. After an application submitted by the city's Forestry Services staff in 1977, Burbank was named a Tree City USA and recognized for its efforts to plant trees and create an urban forest community. Burbank and Sacramento were the only California cities to earn the Tree City USA title at the program's inception, according to the Los Angeles Times. Spunky Squirrel was created by the American Forestry Association in 1981 as the mascot for the Urban Forestry program. Designed with the help of artist, Rudy Wendelin, creator of Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, Spunky was dressed in blue jeans and running shoes to appeal to children. During the 1980s, Spunky and his "Care for Trees!" slogan became popular at Arbor Day events all over the country.
1111 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506
4 x 6 color photo
Burbank Public Library, Burbank in Focus Office
cco01501
City Clerk's Office
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