Arbor Day Foundation Names Asbury Park Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation, a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, has named the city of Asbury Park a 2018 Tree City USA.

The honor reflects the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management. The Tree City USA program began in 1976 sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.

This year’s recognition marks the City’s 17th year as a Tree City USA designee.

Asbury Park achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a city tree board – the Environmental Shade Tree Commission – that creates awareness of what trees do for the community and provides broad support for better tree care; tree and plant regulations; an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita to help plant and keep trees in healthy condition; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation to help garner public support for the City’s urban forestry program.

“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.”

“Trees provide many benefits to our City, including removing air pollutants, providing wildlife habitat, improving the visual appeal of our neighborhoods, reducing home cooling costs and increasing property values,” said Deputy Mayor and Environmental Shade Tree Commission member Amy Quinn, “We value having a greener, healthier community and thank the Arbor Day Foundation for this important recognition.”

For more information on the Tree City USA Program, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

For more information on the City of Asbury Park, visit www.cityofasburypark.com.