The Arbor Day Foundation has announced the City of Douglas, Georgia, has been named a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.
It is the 23rd year Douglas has earned this national honor from the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees.
“We all benefit when communities like Douglas place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation’s most beautiful resources, “said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. We applaud Douglas’ elected officials, staff, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
Douglas has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:
- Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
- Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
- Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.
- Reduce energy use and increase property values.
The City of Douglas observed Arbor Day on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012. Four tree planting ceremonies were held at local elementary schools; Eastside Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, CCA, and Westside Elementary. A Southern Sugar Maple was selected and planted at each school courtesy of the City of Douglas. Students had the opportunity to learn the history of Arbor Day, Tree City USA status, the benefits of trees, and assist with the planting of the Southern Sugar Maple.
More information about the Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org
