Ceremonies celebrating Tree City USA took place in 57 communities across Virginia on Monday, including in Staunton and Waynesboro.
The towns, cities and military installations that have achieved Tree City USA certification satisfy guidelines from the Arbor Day Foundation.
“Trees are much more than a pretty face,” said Barbara White, urban and community forester with the Virginia Department of Forestry. “They’re vital to our quality of life and the environment – trees are part of our ‘green infrastructure.’ They help clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. And, when properly placed beside a home, trees can even help us conserve energy.”
The NASA Langley Research Center and the Town of Broadway are new to the list this year.
Criteria include: having a Tree Board or Department; a Tree Care Ordinance; a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
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