The Arbor Day Foundation opened applications for 2021 Tree City USA recognition.
Since 1976, the program has annually recognized cities and towns across the United States that meet program standards to ultimately encourage communities to properly manage and expand their public tree canopy. Approximately 163 million Americans live in the more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities.
“The power of trees is unmistakable in our nation’s communities and urban settings,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits. Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens make smart investments in urban forests.”
Trees also benefit cities, towns and communities by reducing energy costs, improving stormwater management and erosion control, increasing property values for residents, creating stronger neighborhoods and improving community pride.
To receive Tree City USA recognition, communities of any size must meet four core standards:
- Delegate responsibility for public trees to a tree board and/or department
- Establish a tree care ordinance
- Document a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita
- Hold an Arbor Day observance and proclamation
The goal behind the program standards is for communities to begin caring for city trees and enhancing urban forest management through improved ordinances, innovative programs and increased emphasis on planting and care.
Communities distinguished as a Tree City USA participant will also receive various marketing and promotional materials based on the length of their earned recognition. These include flags, street signs, hats and decals. New in 2021, Tree City USA communities will have access to an online recognized community portal to find more downloadable recognition materials, resources and opportunities to improve an urban forestry program.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is made possible through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. For more information about the Tree City USA program or to apply, visit https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/. Applications are available through the end of the year depending on the state.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 400 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.
As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
