For Immediate Release:
5/4/2021 5:24 pm
For the 35th consecutive year, the City of Worcester has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The City also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for the 22nd year in a row for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.
“We are extremely proud to once again receive this honor,” City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. said. “Being named a Tree City USA 35 years in a row is a special distinction, and the City remains committed to maintaining and preserving our urban forest and green infrastructure now and in the future.”
The City recently celebrated Arbor Day with the planting of three trees in Elm Park dedicated to the lives of Worcester residents lost to the COVID-19 virus, the efforts of healthcare workers, and the dedication of City employees and essential workers.
Worcester achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Aided by the Worcester Tree Initiative, now a program of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, thousands of new trees have been planted in recent years, including 30,000 between 2009 and 2014 after the devastation of thousands of trees by the Asian Long-horned Beetle. Over 1,200 trees have been planted in the past five years, and more than 200 trees will be planted throughout the City this year, including along rights of ways and in parks.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the national Association of State foresters.
“If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use,” Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe said. “Worcester is stepping up to do its part … The trees being planted and cared for by Worcester are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”
More information about the Tree city USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA
