Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management (PBRM) Executive Director Thomas Ashe and City Forester Alex Sherman are proud to report that the Arbor Day Foundation has once again recognized the City of Springfield as a Tree City USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Springfield achieved Tree City USA recognition for the 38th year by meeting the programs requirements including maintaining a Forestry Division and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Additionally, the city was recognized once again with a Tree City USA Growth Award for the eleventh time for its exceptional tree care and environmental improvement.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to commend and thank PBRM Director Tom Ashe, City Forester Alex Sherman and the dedicated Forest Division for their efforts in managing our urban tree management program, including the beautiful tree nursery at Forest Park. This recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation marks the 38th year Springfield has been acknowledged as a Tree City USA. I am proud of our city’s commitment to tree planting, conservation and environmental stewardship and I am looking forward to celebrating our annual Arbor Day ceremony at our Washington Elementary School with another tree planting event.”
Executive Director of PBRM Tom Ashe said, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno for his leadership and support of our city’s green initiatives. Springfield is proud to be celebrating its 39th Arbor Day on Friday, April 26th, and our 38th year as a Tree City USA. The Parks Department Forestry Division is proud to continue with our tree planting operations as part of our city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan and Green Initiatives to help reduce our carbon footprint, cool our urban city and improve the well-being of Springfield’s residents. We recently joined with Mayor Sarno at the newly opened state-of-the-art Edward P. Casey Forestry Operation Center, a project for which we are grateful for the mayor’s support and also reaffirms our ongoing commitment to being a Tree City USA.”
City Forester Alex Sherman stated, “The City of Springfield is fortunate to have many historic trees throughout it’s’ neighborhoods and parks and this recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation is a testament to our hard work and dedication to supporting our local Green Initiatives and tree planting operations. Our upcoming Arbor Day celebration gives us the opportunity to reflect on the legacy and tradition the city of Springfield has on our natural environment and consider the environmental legacy we will leave for the future.”
“Every year for nearly four decades, the City of Springfield has commemorated Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting, reaffirming our commitment to preserving green spaces throughout our community. One of my proudest achievements as Mayor was the city’s designation as a ‘Tree City USA’ by the National Arbor Day Foundation – one that the city still holds 38 years later,” said Congressman Neal. “Our community takes great pride in sustaining and maintaining our city’s trees, understanding the important role they play in urban living. I would like to thank Mayor Sarno for his leadership in continuing this tradition, as well as Parks Director Tom Ashe and City Forester Alex Sherman who take great pride in the work they do to invest in our city’s green spaces.”
The City of Springfield will be celebrating Arbor Day Friday, April 26th at the Washington Elementary School in the Forest Park neighborhood with a special ceremony that will include a tree planting.
