Accolade bestowed by Arbor Day Foundation
For the 42nd consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation has designated Sarasota County a Tree City USA community, county staff announced this week.
“Being designated as a Tree City USA community is a significant accomplishment that reflects the dedication and commitment of Sarasota County to environmental stewardship and improving our quality of life today and for generations to come,” said Sarasota County Landscape and Tree Management Support Planner Patrick Foslin in a news release.
To earn the Tree City USA designation, a community must have the following in place, the release explains:
- A tree board or department, such as the Sarasota County Tree Advisory Council.
- A tree ordinance.
- A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
- An Arbor Day celebration.
Sarasota County staff has “committed to each of these items and more, including education and outreach, planting projects, canopy planning, and ensuring professional staff stay current on advancements in tree care and canopy management,” the release points out.
“Over the years, strong storms have caused significant tree canopy loss across Sarasota County,” the release continues. Restoring this community asset is critical, the release says, given “the value trees add to daily life.” The Tree City USA designation serves as a reminder of that, it adds.
“In cities and neighborhoods,” the release continues, “trees help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and support mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places,” it points out, “they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.”
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program works in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service, the release notes. To learn more about Tree City USA and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, visit arborday.org/programs.
A proclamation recognizing Arbor Day this year in the county will be read during the April 21 Sarasota County Commission meeting, the release adds. That meeting will begin at 9 a.m. within the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, which stands at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice, the release notes.
For more information about Sarasota County tree protection programs, call the county Contact Center 311 or visit www.scgov.net.