Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach with a fountain and palm trees lining the streets. [Photo by Richard Sagredo]
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of West Palm Beach as a Tree City USA for the 31st year in a row, honoring the city’s dedication to effective urban forest management.
The Tree City USA program, supported by the Arbor Day Foundation in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, acknowledges the crucial role trees play in air quality, water conservation and public health.
Communities earn the Tree City USA designation by showing dedication to preserving and improving their urban tree coverage. West Palm Beach fulfilled such criteria as establishing a tree board or department, enacting a tree care ordinance, setting aside an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and celebrating Arbor Day with an observance and proclamation.
“We are thrilled to be named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation,” Mayor Keith A. James said. “This honor reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritize environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of life for our residents. Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality and fostering community well-being, and we remain committed to furthering our urban forestry initiatives.”
Arbor Day has evolved into a global movement advocating to plant, nurture and conserve trees for the well-being of present and future generations. As nature’s air purifiers, trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
Wellington and Royal Palm Beach are also part of the Tree City USA program.
Comments