For the 17th year in a row, the City of Newburgh has been named a “Tree City USA” by the Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation. The award recognizes nationwide excellence in municipal tree planting and maintenance. A city must spend at least $2 per capita on trees, have a tree ordinance and a tree council, and celebrate Arbor Day each year in order to win the award.

“We are proud to be recognized for the funding, time and effort and we expend on maintaining and expanding our urban forest,” said Chuck Thomas, chair of the city’s Conservation Advisory Council. “We look at this award as a badge of honor for our city. Trees moderate temperatures, provide shade and beauty, clean our air, and result in a mentally and physically healthier populace. We also want to recognize our City Council and Mayor for supporting additional trees this year.”

Thomas noted that the City’s Department of Public Works is the linchpin of Newburgh’s success in tree planting, providing the crucial management, workers and equipment needed for this physically demanding and time-consuming work.

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, celebrate and nurture trees.