Farmington named Tree City USA ahead of Arbor Day

The town of Farmington was named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Started in 1976, the Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Farmington achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: 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.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first-hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Farmington started the process two years ago. Last year on Arbor Day, volunteers planted four trees in the town park.

This year, Farmington will celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 30, with plans to plant fruit trees with a $500 Arbor Day grant.

“As much for their bloom and beauty as for the food the community might share,” said Noreen Ewing, Farmington city council member.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member non-profit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.