As the City of Montrose prepares for its annual Arbor Day celebration scheduled for April 26, city leaders are thrilled to announce that the Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Montrose a 2023 Tree City USA for the city’s continued commitment to effective urban forest management throughout the community. This is the 34th year the City of Montrose has earned the designation.

Each year the city’s Parks Division plants new trees to boost the city’s index of trees in parks and right-of-ways. Currently, the index stands at 7,493 trees, according to city records.

The Parks Division continues to grow and maintain a diverse mix of native tree and plant species to strengthen wildlife habitats around the city. The goal is to make these areas sustainable and accessible for all residents to explore and enjoy. In 2024 the Parks Division has budgeted $22,000 to plant new trees around the city.

Montrose achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

During the City Council’s regular meeting on April 16, Mayor Barbara Bynum read a proclamation naming Friday, April 26, as Arbor Day in the City of Montrose.

Bynum read the proclamation, encouraging “all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our city’s urban forestry program.”

“Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world and trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,” Bynum said.

“Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify the community. And trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”

Each December the Arbor Day Foundation reviews applications from around the country to determine which communities will earn the designation.

Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Dan Lambe said the City of Montrose “is part of an incredible network of more than 3,600 Tree City USAs with a combined total population of 155 million.”

“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” Lambe said. “The trees being planted and cared for by Montrose 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.”

As part of the City of Montrose’s Arbor Day celebrations, the Parks Division is planning a tree-planting event at 14600 Marine Road on Friday, April 26, at 10 a.m.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

The city’s Parks Division continues to welcome residents, along with civic and church groups, to volunteer to help maintain and clean up city parks and greenways. Anyone wanting to volunteer can call the Parks Division for details at 970-240-1411.

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Their vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.

As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

For more information about Earth Week in Montrose visit CityOfMontrose.org/EarthWeek.