HARRISBURG RECEIVES ‘GROWTH AWARD’ AND IS NAMED TREE CITY USA FOR 21st CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today accepted the Tree City USA award for Harrisburg, marking the 21st consecutive year that the City has received the nation’s highest community conservation recognition.
The City additionally received the prestigious Growth Award for the 5th straight year, which recognizes Tree City USA communities that have been particularly aggressive in planting trees, preserving open space and conserving natural resources, Reed said.
Presenting the awards at the City’s Italian Lake Park was Michael Lester, Assistant Director of the State Bureau of Forestry of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Both awards are conferred by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Reed noted the awards come during the week when Earth Day 2008 has been commemorated. To mark the occasion, the City today planted 21 new trees in four City parks and 100 shrubs.
Reed said Italian Lake was selected as the site for today’s commemoration because of its beautiful backdrop and due to some minor damage that was sustained by several of its trees during several severe storms in the past twelve months.
Reed and Lester helped local volunteers and others plant one Weeping Cherry, two Norway Maple, and two Eastern Arborvitae trees. Also planted were 100 Rose of Sharon flowering shrubs. The new plantings will produce a dramatic improvement to the landscape in and around Italian Lake.
Reed said other plantings will occur within the next ten days in other City parks, including:
City Island
- Three (3) River Birch
- Three (3) London Plane Trees
Reservoir Park
- One (1) Norway Maple (Royal Red)
- One (1) Red Maple (October Glory)
- Two (2) Japanese Lilac Trees (Ivory Silk)
- Three (3) Crabapple (Indian Magic)
Riverfront Park
- Two (2) Zelkova
- One (1) Eastern Red Bud
In presenting the Tree City USA award and flag to the City, Lester noted that in order to receive the honor, the City must meet multiple national standards and be formally nominated by the state Forester’s Office. Considered the highest national honor for conservation and environmental practices, Harrisburg’s 21st annual award leads all communities in the tri-county area in consecutive recognitions.
The Mayor noted that the City has invested more than $70 million in parks, playgrounds and open spaces as part of the long-term Mayor’s Parks Improvement Program, with more to come. The Mayor said that many other tree plantings and open space improvements have also occurred in connection with the many residential, commercial and industrial development projects undertaken in the City.
Reed said the City employs one of the most active and knowledgeable shade tree maintenance staffs in the region, which is a unit within the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The City also has an actively-enforced shade tree ordinance that helps to protect, promote and preserve trees.
"Trees cool our streets and buildings, reduce airborne pollution, conserve energy, give off oxygen, beautify open space and give wildlife a home. Their presence enhances and increases both property value and beauty," said Reed. "Lasting for generation upon generation, trees are literally a connection to our past and are a part of the legacy we shall leave for future residents and visitors alike."
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
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