Floral Park has recently been named as a 2013 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to urban forest management.
Floral Park achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.“We’re very proud; it is a designation that we certainly covet and work hard to maintain,” said Floral Park Village Mayor Tom Tweedy. “This year is unique; we’ve planted about 125 trees this year already and have more trees in the ground now than before Superstorm Sandy.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities, like Floral Park, make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
