Greencastle marks 18th year as Tree City in Arbor Day Foundation program

Whether you read the tea leaves or count tree rings, there is little mystery to Greencastle's commitment to urban forestry.

You might even say the City of Greencastle literally subscribes to that time-honored local slogan "Keep the green in Greencastle" -- especially when it comes to trees.

With the announcement this week that Greencastle has again been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management, it means the community is celebrating 18 years as a Tree City USA.

Meanwhile, the city also has been recognized for the sixth year as a winner of the Arbor Day Foundation's "Growth Award," an honor that acknowledges the local commitment to continually improving it education and outreach efforts with regard to urban forestry.

The Tree City USA program, marking its 40th anniversary in 2017, is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

In keeping with the green theme, Greencastle has also won the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) Green Community Award more than any other city or town in Indiana, along with its designation as a Tree City now for 18 years.

The Tree City designation "is not easy either," John Gibson, state coordinator for Sustainable Indiana, has said, noting that in order to qualify, the city must plant two trees for every one it takes down or loses to storms or disease.

The City of Greencastle achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: Having 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.

The Arbor Day Foundation stresses that trees are considered assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. Trees help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

A million-member non-profit conservation and education organization, the Arbor Day Foundation's mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information available at arborday.org.

Tree City USA fast facts include:

* Tree City USA began in 1976 and is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

* Sixteen communities are celebrating 40 years of participation.

* 3,409 communities earned Tree City USA status in 2016.

* Communities from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have earned Tree City USA distinction.

* New York City (population 8.4 million) is the largest Tree City USA community.

* Sibley, N.D. (population 28) is the smallest Tree City USA community.