Indian Trail has been named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The community also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care. Indian Trail achieved Tree City USA recognition 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.
Indian Trail takes part in a number of efforts to bring awareness to the importance of the Town's tree canopy - including holding the annual Mayor's Tree Education Initiative. The program works with area elementary schools to teach students about the important role trees play in the community, with multiple plantings taking place at each school. Last year, each student taking part in the program also received a small tree planting to take home with them.
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.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information can be found at arborday.org.