Springfield achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the programs requirements including maintaining a Forestry Division and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to commend and thank PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, 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 37th 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 new state-of-the-art Brightwood-Lincoln School in the North End with another tree planting event.”
Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan said, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno for his leadership and support of our city’s green initiatives. Springfield is proud to be celebrating our 38th Arbor Day on Friday, April 28th, and 37th 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 are carbon footprint and with cooling our urban city and improving the air quality in our neighborhoods.”
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.”
The City of Springfield will be celebrating Arbor Day Friday, April 28th at the Brightwood-Lincoln School in the North End with a special ceremony that will include a tree planting.
Previously, on Friday, April 21st, Mayor Sarno and city officials held a press conference at the Tree Nursery in Forest Park to tout Springfield’s resiliency and efficiency updates, and to celebrate Springfield’s environmental achievements under the Sarno Administration, which included the new Forestry Operations Center in Forest Park.
