4-17-2023 12:52pm

Morris Plains Earns Prestigious 2022 Tree City USA Recognition

Morris Plains Celebrates Green Commitment as Proud 2022 Tree City USA Designee, Enhancing Quality of Life for Generations to Come.

Morris Plains, NJ - Morris Plains residents have a reason to celebrate as their town has been honored with the 2022 Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation - a title the town has held now for 45 years. This recognition highlights the community's dedication to effective urban forest management and its commitment to planting and caring for trees.

The Tree City USA program, founded in 1976, is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. Morris Plains joins an impressive network of over 3,600 Tree City USA communities across the nation, collectively representing a population of 155 million.

To achieve Tree City USA status, Morris Plains met 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.

Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, emphasized the benefits of urban forests, stating, "The trees being planted and cared for by Morris Plains are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

As communities worldwide grapple with issues such as air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme weather events, Morris Plains is taking a proactive approach to address these challenges for both current and future residents.

For more information about the Tree City USA program, please visit arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

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. Our 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.