Tree Advisory Board

Arbor Day celebrations are planned throughout the month of April 2024, leading up to the city's annual proclamation and tree planting ceremony on Arbor Day - Friday, April 26. Find information about these planned events HERE.

The Bella Vista Tree Advisory Board serves the city by providing assistance in planning and organizing an

annual Arbor Day celebration, advising the city in the management of trees and vegetation on city lands, advising the city on the need for increased tree canopy and the general health of trees along the trail networks. The board also works to educate the public about trees and their management. Because of these efforts, Bella Vista is recognized annually for the last four years as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Additionally, Mayor Flynn has taken the Monarch Pledge for 2023.

The board meets quarterly throughout the year at 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of March, June, September, and December. For inquiries regarding the Tree Board, please contact Christopher Hyatt at chyatt@bellavistaar.gov.

monarch butterfly habitat program
As a result of Mayor Flynn taking the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, City Council approved an ordinance on Monday, November 20, 2023, allowing taller grass within city limits only with the intent to allow Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries and habitats, so long as it meets the criteria within Ordinance 2023-56. This program will allow residents to create native pollinator habitats with vegetation taller than 10 inches, and is effective Monday, January 28, 2024. A permit is not required to participate in this program.

Vegetation requirements under this new ordinance are as follows:
• Must consist of native, pollinator species.
• Must not be within the right-of-way or sight triangle.
• Must be within a landscaped area with a maximum size of 140 sq. ft. or 1% of the lot's acreage (whichever is greater).
• Must be within a landscaped area that has a well-defined containment border.
• Must be within a landscaped area kept free of tall grass and invasive species such as Kudzu Vine, Chinese Privet, Greater Periwinkle, English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle, Amur Honeysuckle, Tatarian Honeysuckle, Chinaberry, Heavenly Bamboo, and Cogon Grass.

See here for a helpful handout.

Current Members:
Position 1 (expires May 1, 2025) — Cheryl Hall wildflower.cheryl@gmail.com
Position 2 (expires May 1, 2025)— Chairman, Mike Abb mikeabb@runwaynwa.com
Position 3 (expires May 1, 2025) — Chuck Woods woodsman010@yahoo.com
Position 4 (expires May 1, 2026) — Graham Edwards grahamedwardsart@gmail.com
Position 5 (expires May 1, 2026) — Elizabeth Duncan lizzieqd@icloud.com
Position 6 (expires May 1, 2024) — Scribe, Laura Hoffert laurahoffert@gmail.com
Position 7 (expires May 1, 2024) — Mark Pelton markpelton@sbcglobal.net

Helpful links:
Tree Advisory Board Municipal Code