March 13, 2023
Richmond was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 28th year that the city has received this distinction, as it works to ensure that its urban trees are healthy and sustained for future generations.
Richmond achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Richmond’s Street Department oversees a comprehensive tree care program which includes the planting, removal and replacement of street trees. The department is responsible for over 10,000 trees in Richmond. The Department is aided by the Street Tree Commission and the Tree Tenders volunteers. In addition, Richmond Parks and Recreation has been committed to removing dead and diseased trees from our parks and planting hundreds of seedlings to take their place.
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 positive effects of an urban forest firsthand;' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. ''The trees being planted and cared for by Richmond are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
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