The Arbor Day Foundation has named Southern Pines Tree City USA for 2024. The Town has been recognized by the foundation every year since 1980.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Southern Pines are leading the way – 45 years strong,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Southern Pines is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
Southern Pines has demonstrated a commitment to the tree city program through its work to protect and care for trees on town property, a robust tree protection ordinance, and forest management practices at Reservoir Park and Whitehall among other areas.
“We are very proud to be recognized again as Tree City USA,” said Reagan Parsons, town manager of Southern Pines, in a press release. “We work very hard to protect our trees and ensure our public lands are properly cared for.” Parsons went on to praise the Town’s Parks and Grounds staff. “Graham (Purcell) and his team do a tremendous job keeping our parks, public spaces, and the grounds around our buildings beautiful.”
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 50 years.
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
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Photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Cow McFarland.
Contributed article.
