Delaware Named a Tree City USA Community for 44th Year

The City of Delaware is a Tree City USA honoree for the 44^th consecutive year.

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized the City’s commitment to effective urban forest management. 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.

Delaware also was recognized with a Growth Award for the 6^th consecutive year.  The Growth Award recognizes major milestones and annual activities in five categories that combine to build sustainable community forestry programs over the long term.

Urban tree plantings help reduce energy consumption, help with the overall cooling of a city and increase property values. Trees also positively affect the local ecosystem by helping to clean water and create animal habitats to encourage biodiversity.

“This recognition celebrates the hard work done to support trees throughout our community,” said Delaware Parks and Recreation Director Ted Miller, who credited the efforts of City Arborist Hunter Smith and of the City’s Shade Tree Commission.

The City will celebrate its Tree City status in April during Arbor Day events that are still being finalized. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA