Greencastle named Tree City USA again

Monday, May 3, 2021

The Arbor Day Foundation is recognizing Greencastle as a 2020 Tree City USA in honor of the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management, marking the 22nd time the city has been recognized with this honor.

Greencastle achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: A city tree board, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The city is one of more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities.

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.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in the community first hand,” Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, said. “The trees being planted and cared for by Greencastle are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Greencastle’s Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Forest Hill Cemetery take the lead roles in the city’s urban forestry work, with support from the city’s Planning Department.

“Greencastle is fortunate to have a wonderful urban green canopy that can be enjoyed around the community, in our parks, along our trails and at our local university campuses,” Mayor Bill Dory said. “The city also appreciates the many volunteer hours, donations and private investment that add to our inventory of trees.

“This recognition demonstrates our commitment to effective urban forest management, while doing our part to protect our current and future residents from environmental concerns that trees can help mitigate,” Dory added.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and wellbeing, energy use and protection from extreme heat and flooding. The foundation recently launched the Time for Trees initiative to address these issues, with the unprecedented goals of planting 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspiring five million tree planters by 2022.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

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