City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday,
April 24, 2018) – Mayor Lovely Warren announced today that the
City of Rochester has been named – for the 37th consecutive year –
a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to
effective urban forest management.
The City also received a Tree
City USA Growth Award which highlights innovative programs and projects as well
as an increased commitment of resources for urban forestry. City of Rochester
Forestry received the Growth Award because of efforts in two categories: Continuing
Education for Tree Workers (Electrical Hazard Awareness) and Integrated Pest
Management (Emerald Ash Borer Management Program).
“Our urban forest, comprised
of thousands of trees along our neighborhood streets and throughout our many
parks and cemeteries, are vital to Rochester’s infrastructure,” said Mayor
Warren. “The City values these trees for making our outdoor experiences healthier
and more pleasant — our urban forest removes air pollutants, provides shade,
enhances property values and beautifies our surroundings, along with many other
benefits.”
Rochester achieved Tree City
USA recognition by meeting the program’s four criteria: 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 awards are made in tandem
each year with the annual Arbor Day celebration. The City and Monroe County
will join together with members of the Greater Rochester Arbor Day Committee on
Arbor Day at 11 a.m., Friday, April 27 for a tree planting ceremony in Highland
Park, at the corner of South Avenue and Reservoir Drive, near the statue of
Frederick Douglass. The event will highlight National Arbor Day and commemorate
the 200th Anniversary of the birth of this famed abolitionist and
orator.
During the festivities, artists
will be recognized for their participation in an Arbor Day Poster competition. All
attendees at the ceremony will receive Arbor Day posters, bookmarks, tree
seedlings to plant at home and refreshments.
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News
Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.