FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2019
Contact: Melissa Evans
Urban Forester
Parks and Recreation Department
479.444.3486
mevans@fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville Recognized as Tree City USA Community for 24th Year and Increases Tree Planting
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Fayetteville was named a 2018 Tree City USA earlier this month in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 24th year Fayetteville has received this designation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Fayetteville gained this recognition by meeting or exceeding the Tree City USA requirements in four categories: 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.
National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April in the United States. The City of Fayetteville participates in events all year long promoting new tree planting and maintaining the health of our existing tree canopy. Two upcoming events are:
- Now through April 27: Bradford Bounty incentive. Residents who remove a Bradford pear tree on their property can receive a free native tree as a replacement (while supplies last, limit one per household).
- Saturday, April 27: Invasive Plant Species Removal at Clarence Craft Park hosted by the City’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board
The City’s Urban Forestry department is collaborating with organizations to plant more trees this year in line with Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees initiative to plant more trees for greater community benefits. Recently, the City worked with Girl Scout Troop 5327, giving away 500 pine tree saplings, and with the Illinois River Watershed Partnership volunteers to plant 275 native trees and shrubs along Owl Creek.
The City of Fayetteville recognizes and promotes the value of a healthy urban forest. Trees provide multiple benefits including improved visual appeal of neighborhoods, increased property values, reduced home cooling costs and removal of air pollutants. To learn more about the value of trees and view resources—such as a guide to invasive plants and native alternatives, proper tree mulching, tree care tips, and other tree information—please visit the Urban Forestry section of the City’s website.
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