NEWBURGH – The City of Newburgh has been named as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 17th year in a row. The award honor’s the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.
Newburgh achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“We are proud to be recognized for the time, effort and funds we expend on maintaining and expanding our urban forest,” said Chuck Thomas, chair4man of the Conservation Advisory Council. “We look at this award as a badge of honor for our city. Trees moderate temperatures, provide shade and beauty, clean our air, and result in a mentally and physically healthier populace.”
This year Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 29
Thomas noted that the city’s Department of Public Works is the linchpin of Newburgh’s success in tree planting; providing the crucial management, workers and equipment needed for this physically demanding and time-consuming work.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees.
More information on the Tree City USA program is available at: arborday.org/TreeCityUSA
