OPELIKA, Ala. – Opelika, Alabama has been named 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
The city received this honor as a result of its dedication to urban forest management.
The Arbor Day Foundation has four requirements that cities must meet in order to achieve this recognition. These requirements include a tree board or department, tree care ordinance, annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“It is a great honor for Opelika to be once again recognized as a Tree City USA,” said Executive Director of Keep Opelika Beautiful Tipi Miller. “We look forward to many more years of a successful tree program.”
Miller said that certified arborists will be completing an inventory of all trees on city property in Opelika this year.
Properly planted and maintained trees benefit a community in many ways. They increase the aesthetic beauty of neighborhoods, increase property value, and provide home for wildlife, along with many other advantages.
The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting. Their mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees through conservation and education.
