The non-profit Arbor Day Foundation is recognizing Allentown as a Tree City USA for the 40th year!
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The city received written notification of the award this week.
The community also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
There are four standards to achieve Tree City USA recognition. The municipality must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“We are very proud to mark 40 years as a Tree USA community,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell. “Trees beautify the city. They provide shade to our neighborhoods and bring clean air and clean water.”
The Allentown Parks Department planted 575 trees in 2018.
Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
According to the Foundation, “Properly placed trees can increase property values from 7–20%. Buildings in wooded areas rent more quickly, and tenants stay longer.”
More than 3,400 cities and towns across the country have been recognized as a Tree City USA community.
Across Pennsylvania, only five municipalities have been recognized more times than Allentown.
More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
