News Release   Date April 18, 2009

On April 17, 2009, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized 37 southwest Ohio cities, villages and a township as Tree City USA communities.  Among them was Middletown which received the award for the 2nd consecutive year.  Created in 1976, the Tree City USA award originates from the Arbor Day Foundation, an organization dedicated to tree planting, conservation and the promotion of community forestry.

Hosted at the Courtyard by Marriot in downtown Hamilton, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry presented the awards to the Tree City USA communities.  The title of "Tree City USA" was bestowed upon Middletown for it's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the quality of life through a concentrated street tree management program. 

During 2008, the 37 communities planted 6,314 balled and burlapped trees, pruned 22,448 trees, and removed 3,993 dead, dying, or diseased trees.  Including the donation of 12,446 hours of volunteer time, these and other urban forestry activities were valued at more than $6 million.

The nationally recognized Tree City USA award is presented annually to those communities that have met maintenance standards for trees growing along their streets and in their parks.  The four standards are: 1) having a designated tree board, forestry professional or city department responsible for the care of trees in the community; 2) passing a tree care ordinance; 3) having an active forestry program in place with an annual budget of at least two dollars per capita; and 4) proclaiming and hosting an Arbor Day celebration. 

Doris Baden, City of Middletown grounds technician is pleased with the amount of community support for the trees, “With the Emerald Ash Borer infestation and the damage from Tropical Storm Ike, Middletown lost over 157 public trees but, it’s great that the community and area businesses have stepped up to support the preservation and planting of trees, especially in our city parks.” 

In 2008 the Middletown Community Foundation granted $4,783 towards tree planting and preservation. Volunteer hours totaled 697, 38 trees were planted, and 324 were pruned.  Since February of this year, there have been 150 volunteer hours, $12,000 in in-kind services, and a $2,000 grant awarded by Duke Energy. There will be a citywide Earth Day and tree planting ceremony April 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Arbor Day celebration and tree planting April 24th noon, both in sunset Park.

Ohio currently boasts the greatest number of Tree Cities in the country with a grand total of 249.  The event in Hamilton was one of six regional Tree City USA celebrations in Ohio during the month of April.

To discuss in the forum click here