Arbor Day Foundation Names Staunton Tree City USA

STAUNTON, VA (04/08/2014)(readMedia)-- For Immediate Release – Arbor Day Foundation Names Staunton Tree City USA

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Contact: Matt Sensabaugh, City Horticulturist

540.332.3945; sensabaughmg@ci.staunton.va.us

Steven L. Rosenberg, Assistant City Manager

540.332.3812; rosenbergsl@ci.staunton.va.us

Staunton, Virginia – April 8, 2014 – Staunton, Virginia was named a 2013 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Staunton achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: 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.

"Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Staunton make smart investments in urban forests," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits."

Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.

Arbor Day, officially recognized in Virginia as the last Friday in April, will be observed by Staunton this year on Saturday, April 12, 2014, in conjunction with Earth Day observances in the city. Earth Day activities, co-sponsored by the city, will be held on Byers Street behind the Staunton/Augusta Farmers' Market, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Arbor Day activities will be held in Woodrow Park, across the Sears Hill Bridge from Staunton Station, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Signage will direct participants from the Earth Day location to the Arbor Day location.

State and Urban Forestry Coordinator Paul Revel of the Virginia Department of Forestry will present the Tree City USA award to city representatives at noon in Woodrow Park.

More information on the Tree City program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: 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.