The City of Salisbury has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 33rd year Salisbury has earned the national designation.
Salisbury achieved the Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements:
· Establish a Tree Department
· Adopt a tree care ordinance
· Establish a community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
· Conduct an Arbor Day observance and adopt a Proclamation
Salisbury’s Arbor Day observance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at Hurley Park during the Spring Celebration event.
“It’s an honor to receive the Tree City USA award for 33 years in a row,” said Mark Martin, city arborist and assistant Hurley park coordinator. “Trees provide so much for humans by cleansing the air, reducing heat and absorbing pollutants. In the words of Bob Ross, ‘There’s nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.’ I think we owe trees a little of our time and care by observing Arbor Day and invite the residents to join us on Sunday, April 7.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters who set their efforts at identifying and recognizing communities that have committed to the welfare of trees within their cities.
For more information regarding Salisbury forestry projects and the Tree City USA designation, please contact Mark Martin at (704) 638-5255.