Troy Named Tree City for 22nd Year by Arbor Day Foundation

The following information was submitted by the City of Troy.

The Arbor Day Foundation announced that the City of Troy was named a Tree City USA community to honor its commitment to community forestry.

It is the 22nd year that the Troy community has received this national recognition.

Troy has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community; having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“We all benefit when communities like Troy place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nations’ most beautiful resources,” John Rosenow, Chief Executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation said. “Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits.  We applaud Troy’s elected officials, employees, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest.”

“We are very proud of the diligent efforts that are being made within our City to keep our community in close ties with nature,” said Cindy Stewart, Community Affairs Director.  “Our parks, our nature center, the beautiful landscaping of our neighborhoods – these are what make our City a very livable community.”

Communities that receive Tree City USA recognition not only have taken time to meet these four standards, they recognize that:

• Trees promote healthier communities. by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
• Trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Trees in urban areas reduce the heat island effect caused by pavement and buildings.
• Properly placed trees can increase property values, and reduce energy use.

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. The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental, and educational organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.  More information on the Foundation can be found at www.arborday.org.