The City of Auburn has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 28th consecutive year. The annual honor is a result of the foundation’s Tree City USA program which recognizes communities that meet specific standards set for by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“We all benefit when communities like Auburn place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation’s most beautiful resources,” said John Rosecow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. 

In order for a city to receive this recognition, four standards must be met including having an established tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The City of Auburn is especially grateful for the hard working citizens on its city council-appointed tree commission. The commission is made up of a group of citizens who advise the City on proper tree care and planting and are committed to growth and preservation of the urban tree canopy.  Most recently, the Auburn Tree Commission distributed free seedlings to citizens in honor of Arbor Day on February 25 at multiple locations in Auburn.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. “We applaud Auburn’s elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” Rosenow said. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

For more information, please contact the Office of the City Manager at (334) 501-7260 or visit http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/PressRelease.aspx?PRID=545.