Essex Junction was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the eighth year for Essex Junction to be recognized as a Tree City USA community.
Essex Junction achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Essex Junction are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement of public education."
If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Essex Junction is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.