LINCOLN, NEB. — Columbus was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Columbus achieved the recognition by meeting 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.
Arbor Day Foundation chief executive Dan Lambe said, “The trees being planted and cared for by Columbus are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.