Arbor Day Foundation Names Tifton a 2023 Tree City USA Community
TIFTON, Ga. – Tifton was named a 2023 Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management. The Friendly City achieved the 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.
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. Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation shared, “The trees being planted and cared for by Tifton 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”.
The Tifton Tree Board and Mayor Julie B. Smith came together to proclaim Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 Arbor Day. In celebration, the Tifton Tree Board planted a Live Oak tree in the area of Bellview Circle. Trees were also planted along Maple Street, Ferry Lake Road, 3rd Street, and Park Avenue. The City of Tifton has been named a Tree City USA Community, by the Arbor Day Foundation, for over 30 years. Through the efforts of the Tifton Tree Board, our city has seen the completion of 1,000 trees being planted with 160 of those trees being planted in 2023.
The Tifton Tree Board consists of community member volunteers. Members include: Elizabeth McCarty, Dr. George Vellidis, Jimmy Felton, Al Potts, Todd Green, and city employee liaison, Michael Mitchem. If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heating and flooding. Tifton is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.
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