Fairfax City Named '2020 Tree City USA'

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

03/18/2021 12:00 PM

For decades, Fairfax City has been known as a “tree city” by its citizens — and by the national Arbor Day Foundation, which has designated the city as a 2020 Tree City USA.

Fairfax City has taken numerous actions demonstrating its commitment to the trees through effective urban forest management. The city’s focus includes the protection and enhancement of our trees, shrubs, and other vegetation within parks, along streets, in private yards, on empty lots, and in natural areas.

A Tree City USA since 1987, the city is currently developing an Urban Forestry Program Evaluation Report. This report will help the municipality and its residents gain a better understanding of city programs influencing urban forestry, which will aid the city in the protection and enhancement of our urban forest.

Residents already have helped shape the report by participating in a citywide survey. We encourage ongoing participation in the project on the Engage Fairfax page, where people can voice their opinions and connect with the city on this important topic. The report is scheduled for completion in the spring, so please visit engage.fairfaxva.gov for more information.

Communities worldwide face environmental issues, notes the Arbor Day Foundation: air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection from extreme heat and flooding.

Fairfax City was recognized as a Tree City USA for 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.

The Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org) is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. 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.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.