Allentown is a Tree City USA for the 36th consecutive year! The recognition comes from the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The city received written notification of the award last week.

There are four standards to achieve Tree City USA recognition. The municipality must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Allentown is pleased and proud to be a Tree USA community continuing a 36 year tradition,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “We take our role of being good stewards of our environment very seriously. Part of that commitment means providing high levels of tree care.”

According to Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive John Rosenow, “Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Allentown make smart investments in urban forests. Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

This past weekend, 18 non-shedding Sycamore trees were planted in the 1200 block of Hamilton Street by the city parks department and members of the Library Area Neighborhood Association and West Park. They were assisted by members of Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church, Allen High School Rotary Service Club, Keenan House and Christ Lutheran Church.

More than 3,400 cities and towns have been recognized as a Tree City USA community.

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