For the 33rd consecutive year, the City of Mesquite has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Mesquite has the 10th longest tenure in the Tree City USA program of any city in Texas. Started in 1976, the Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More than 3,600 communities nationwide have earned the designation.
To be recognized as a Tree City USA community, cities must meet four requirements: maintain a tree board or department, have a tree-care ordinance, dedicate an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Mesquite has proudly met and exceeded these standards for more than 30 years,” said City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Director Elizabeth Harrell. “We are committed to maintaining a thriving urban forest here in Mesquite because we know that trees raise the quality of life for residents.”
Mesquite has planted more than 31,000 trees throughout the community since the inception of its Urban Forestry Program in 1988.
Dan Lambe, chief executive officer of the Arbor Day Foundation, commended Mesquite for its commitment to the value and importance of trees.
“If there was ever a time for trees, now is that time. Cities and towns across the globe are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-bring, and energy use,” he said. “Mesquite has taken steps to create a brighter, greener future.”
To learn more about the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.