For the 13th straight year, the City of Palm Coast has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of Palm Coast's urban forestry program. In addition, the City again this year received the Tree City USA Growth Award. This is the 12th time Palm Coast has received this recognition.
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 135 million Americans call home.
"We are honored to again be named a Tree City USA and to receive the Tree City USA Growth Award," said Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini. "The timing of this year's award is perfect, because we're preparing to celebrate Arbor Day on May 5th!"
"Here in Palm Coast, we love our beautiful trees and tree canopies and know the value of what trees provide to our City," Mini said. "We are truly rooted in nature, and that shows in our parks and trails, in our environmental education programs, in our public landscaping and in our efforts to protect trees when new houses and businesses are built."
Palm Coast was recognized as a Tree City USA for promoting environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care for citizens by enforcing a specific tree care ordinance, offering a comprehensive community forestry program, establishing a Green Team and sponsoring an annual Arbor Day observance. The City was also named a Tree City USA Growth community based on its community education programs.
The Arbor Day Celebration will be Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast.
"Feed a Mouth, Get a Tree, Grow a Community" is the theme for Arbor Day 2018, which will feature a tree give-away in exchange for non-perishable food items (while supplies last, so come early), butterfly release and tent, entertainment, paper-shredding service and fun activities for all ages. The Tree Tent will feature master certified arborist Danny Lippi from 9 a.m. to noon. The native butterfly release will be at 11 a.m. at center stage.
A promo video for Arbor Day 2018 can be viewed on YouTube at: