Grand Rapids, MI, was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.  Grand Rapids has earned this national designation for 13 years.  In addition, the City has also earned its first Tree City USA Growth Award, which recognizes that the City has made significant improvements in areas such as education and public relations, partnerships, planning and management, and tree planting and maintenance. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. 

Grand Rapids has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“We commend Grand Rapids’ elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economic and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”

 Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

·               Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.

·               Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.

·               Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.

·               Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental and education organizations of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.​

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Governmental Award of Excellence in Urban Forestry 

The Arboriculture Society of Michigan and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has awarded the City of Grand Rapids the 2012 Governmental Award of Excellence in Urban Forestry.  The award recognizes the City's commitment to proactive and sustained management of public trees by: utilizing innovative management techniques, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing outreach and education opportunities. The City of Grand Rapids, Forestry Department is very proud to be acknowledged as a champion for public trees and will continue to strive above and beyond.  

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