Fort Atkinson was recognized recently as a 2022 Tree City USA, according to information released by city officials.
The recognition, which is given by the Arbor Day Foundation, described on its website as an “American 501 nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, is offered to those cities that have effectively participated in urban forest management, the release stated.
As stated in the release, Fort Atkinson has 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 capital and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
This year, the Fort Atkinson City Council has declared that Arbor Day within the city will be recognized on Friday, April 28.
The foundation encourages nationwide celebrations in recognition of Arbor Day through volunteerism and community events, the release stated.
Hiking in forests, learning about trees, drawing a favorite tree, and planting trees are among activities encouraged this year by the city and foundation, the release read.
Noted within the release and according to Department of Public Works Superintendent Tom Williamson, “for this 31st year, the city of Fort Atkinson has continued to invest in maintaining its tree management and tree-planting program, meeting the requirements and expectations of the Tree City USA program.”
Within the release, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation Dan Lambe said: “Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand. The trees being planted and cared for by Fort Atkinson are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”
About the Arbor Day Foundation
According to the release, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. For more information about the Arbor Day Foundation, visit its website: www.arborday.org.
For more information on Arbor Day celebrations, visit: https://celebratearborday.com.
Former Fort Atkinson City Council President Chris Scherer, at left, presents Superintendent of Public Works Tom Williamson with an Arbor Day proclamation. The presentation was made during a city council meeting held Tuesday, April 18. Arbor Day will be celebrated in Fort Atkinson on Friday. During the meeting, Scherer, who did not seek reelection in April, completed his term in office. Councilman Bruce Johnson, not pictured, was elected in April as the body’s president. Contributed photo.
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