Jean Berger of the the Newburyport Tree Commission shared the following:
The Arbor Day Foundation has named Newburyport, Mass., a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
“We are proud that Newburyport continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA,” said Bob Uhlig, Chairman of the Newburyport Tree Commission. “We liaise with the Tree Warden to add to our urban forest with a spring and fall tree planting. Thanks to Friends of Newburyport Trees, combined with the City’s budget, we have been able to plant trees every year and water new trees for three years as our area continues to be in moderate drought conditions.”
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Newburyport is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation.
In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about Tree City USA and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, visit arborday.org/programs.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org. ♦
