The City of Noblesville was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 27th consecutive year Noblesville has earned this national distinction.
Urban Forestor Vince Baker (left) and Mayor John Ditslear hand out tree saplings to every second-grade student at Promise Road Elementary School after its Arbor Day program on April 28. (Photo provided)
“Being a Tree City USA member this long shows the importance that the city and its citizens have for our environment and its sustainability year after year,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “I also want to thank the Noblesville Tree Board for its overall care of city street trees and the educational outlet and projects it provides our residents.”
The city received 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.
Noblesville also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
“Trees provide us with so much more than just shade and beauty. Proper planting and caring for trees, helps improve our surroundings, reduce pollution, lower energy costs and improves the appearance of our community,” Noblesville Urban Forestor Vince Baker said.
The city held a Tulip Poplar (Indiana state tree) planting at Promise Road Elementary School, 14975 Promise Road, and educated second grade students on Arbor Day and the importance of trees. Each student then received a tree sapling and the school was given the city’s Tree City USA flag on April 28.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the United States Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. For more information about the program, visit arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.