April 30, 2021
Contact: Rob Hines
P: 260-427-6028
C: 260-241-1932
Public Information Officer
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Fort Wayne, Ind. – The National Arbor Day Foundation has awarded the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department with its 31st consecutive Tree City USA designation. Mayor Tom Henry presented a mayoral proclamation on April 30, recognizing Fort Wayne’s continued commitment to preserving a healthy tree canopy in the city.
The city also received the Growth Award for the 16th consecutive year, which highlights innovative programs and projects as well as an increased commitment of resources for urban forestry.
The purpose of the Tree City USA program is to recognize communities that are taking steps toward effective management of their public trees. In addition to maintaining over 65,000 trees throughout the city, the department has also worked to add trees annually. As part of that effort, Parks and Recreation staff is distributing hundreds of tree seedlings to citizens on Arbor Day.
Parks and Recreation Department Director Steve McDaniel said, “We are always excited to recognize the value and importance of Arbor Day to our department and to our city. Trees provide tremendous benefit to a thriving, growing community, and we take great care of our city’s trees not just today, but all year long.”
For more information about Fort Wayne urban forestry efforts, visit fortwayneparks.org/street-trees.
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