Contact: Mike Cusimano
Phone: 373-2150

Greensboro Designated Tree City USA for 16th Consecutive Year

GREENSBORO – The National Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Greensboro a 2006 Tree City USA community. This is the 16th consecutive year that Greensboro has received this recognition for its commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program.  In addition, Greensboro received the prestigious Growth Award for the sixth year. The Tree City USA Growth Award recognizes demonstrated progress in community forestry programs.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship. Nominees must meet four criteria in order to become a Tree City USA. They must have a department, board or position responsible for community tree care, a tree care ordinance, an active community forestry program, and an Arbor Day proclamation and observance.

National Arbor Day Foundation president John Rosenow says that, “Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature, and bring nature into our daily lives. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns. A community that recognizes these benefits and provides needed care for its trees deserves recognition.”

The award will be presented to City Council at its May 15 meeting. For more information, contact Mike Cusimano, Urban Forester, at 373-2150 or visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/Planning/forestry/.

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