Palm Coast Named 'Tree City USA' For 12th Straight Year By Arbor Day Foundation

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Palm Coast, FL – For the 12th 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 11th 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 going to celebrate Arbor Day on May 6.”

“Here in Palm Coast, we are proud of our beautiful trees and tree canopies, our parks and trails, and environmental education programs such as CHIRP (Children Helping in Resource Protection),” Mini said. “As a community, we are truly rooted in nature through our long and deep commitment to environmental sustainability. That shows 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 6, 9 AM to 2 PM at Central Park in Town Center, with the Arbor Day 5K Root Run/Walk at 8 AM. There is still time to sign up.

“Feed a Mouth, Get a Tree, Grow a Community” is the theme for Arbor Day 2017, which will feature a tree give-away in exchange for non-perishable food items (while supplies last, so come early), environment-related exhibits, entertainment including children’s musician Patty Shukla, and many free children’s activities.

The Tree Tent will feature master certified arborists Chuck and Danny Lippi, and the free paper shredding service will be offered again this year. The native butterfly release will be at 11 Am at center stage, immediately after the kickoff for the Mayor’s Healthy Community Challenge at 10 AM Shukla’s concert will begin at 11:30 AM.

Find more information or sign up for the 5K here.

Photo courtesy of Cindi Lane and the City of Palm Coast.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.