For Immediate Release
February 26, 2016
Contact: John Scott
Urban Forester Parks and Recreation Division
479.444.3470jscott@fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville Recognized as a 2015 Tree City USA Community for Urban Forest Management
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville joins more than 3,400 communities to be recognized as a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. This marks the 21st consecutive year of acknowledgement. Trees are vital to public infrastructure – providing numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. Trees are the one piece of infrastructure that increases in value over time.
Fayetteville’s Tree City USA status communicates the City’s leadership in smart community planning and healthy urban forest management. The City’s system of parks, trails, and healthy urban canopy attracts visitors, new residents, and investors to the area. Green corridors, connections to nature, and public spaces encourage recreation and bring people together – creating community building. Street trees reduce traffic speeds and soften harsh streetscapes. Tree canopy regulates air quality, controls erosion, and filters storm water. Preservation of green infrastructure minimizes the need or intensity of gray infrastructure and drinking water costs.
The City’s recent tree planting projects include the medians of Garland Avenue and Crossover Road (Highway 265 from Township to Joyce). The Crossover Road tree planting project will continue this year from Joyce to Ivey. Trees will also be planted along the newly completed Van Asche Boulevard. In its continued commitment to the environment, Fayetteville has adopted the first invasive plant species ordinance in Arkansas.
Visit the Urban Forestry section of the City’s website to learn about Fayetteville’s urban forest review resources such as invasive plants and native alternatives, proper tree mulching, and tree care tips.
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