The city of Westfield has been named a Tree City for the 10th year by the Arbor Day Foundation.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley, Mayor Andy Cook and Westfield Parks and Recreation Director Melody Jones pose with a proclamation from Mayor Cook acknowledging Westfield’s Tree City status and Arbor Day.
“It’s very exciting for us to reach this milestone,” Parks Director Melody Jones said.
“Westfield’s commitment to our urban forest helps make our community greener and healthier, and enhances the quality of life for our residents.”
The city also received its sixth Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation. According to the foundation’s website, this award “highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry.”
Tree Cities are designated by the Arbor Day Foundation based on four criteria: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
Westfield’s Arbor Day celebration will take place at Asa Bales Park on Saturday April 22nd.
At the event, Westfield’s parks department will give away five varieties of seedlings on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. Selections will include Norway spruce, river birch, shagbark hickory, black tupelo and silver maple.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley has donated 100 tree seedlings to Westfield’s Arbor Day event. These varieties include 25 each of pin oak, sycamore, silver maple and bald cypress.
“It’s great to give back to our community and help the environment,” Schaibley said.
Asa Bales Park is located at 205 W. Hoover Street. Trees will be distributed in Shelter 1.
Visit www.arborday.org/programs/treecityUSA for more information on Tree Cities.