Essex Junction was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 9th year Essex Junction has been named a Tree City USA.
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.
Essex Junction is part of a network of more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities nationwide, with a combined population of 155 million.
"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 or public education."
Founded in 1976, Tree City USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.