Latest news with #MichelleSaulnier
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Roanoke named 2024 Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Anyone familiar with the Roanoke Valley knows the area is well recognized for sprawling mountain landscapes and forests and outdoor activities. In true Roanoke fashion, the Arbor Day Foundation has named the city a 2024 Tree City USA for planting, growing, and maintaining trees. 'We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Roanoke are leading the way,' 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 Roanoke is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating a positive impact through trees.' The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires people to plant and grow trees, and over the last 40 years, the Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that enhance their livability and sustainability by planting trees. Celebrate Earth Day and a New Story Trail in Botetourt County Arbor Day Foundation officials said trees have been proven to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands by improving mental and physical health, reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, reducing traffic noise, increasing property values, and lowering home energy costs. 'In the many years I've lived in Roanoke, I've come to appreciate just how deeply nature is rooted in our city's identity,' added Mayor Joe Cobb. 'Being named a Tree City USA again is not just an accolade — it's a reminder that every tree we plant is an investment in our people, our infrastructure, and our future.' Arbor Day first started on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska to reforest parts of the Great Plains and give shelter to pioneers. The tradition is still celebrated today as a reminder and to preserve the natural beauty of parks and public lands, and support industries across the United States. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Goshen earns Tree City USA recognition
GOSHEN — The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Goshen a 2024 Tree City USA in recognition of its commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees that benefit the community. The Tree City USA program, now in its 50th year, honors cities and towns that prioritize urban forestry to enhance sustainability and livability. The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to tree planting and preservation, has recognized communities across the U.S. that meet rigorous tree care standards. 'We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Goshen are leading the way,' 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 to have Goshen among our growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.' In urban areas, trees help mitigate the heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and contribute to both mental and physical well-being, a statement from the city of Goshen reads. Proper tree placement can also lower energy costs, increase property values, and reduce noise pollution. To earn the Tree City USA designation, a city must meet four core standards: • Maintain a tree board or department • Have a community tree ordinance • Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry • Host an annual Arbor Day celebration 'Goshen is committed to preserving and enhancing its green spaces, and this recognition reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship,' said Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, head of the Environmental Resilience Department. 'We look forward to continuing our efforts in making Goshen a greener and healthier place for all residents.' The Tree City USA program is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters, and the USDA Forest Service. For more information on the program or how to get involved, visit
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sanford gets another Tree City USA recognition
The Arbor Day Foundation has named Sanford a Tree City USA in recognition of the commitment shown in 2024 to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community. Sanford first earned its Tree City USA designation in 2014 and has maintained its status each year since. To achieve the recognition, cities must appoint a tree board or department, create a tree care ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and participate in an Arbor Day celebration. 'We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Sanford are leading the way,' Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, said. 'Trees are critical infrastructure for all communities, including ours,' said city planner Liz Whitmore, who manages Sanford's Tree City USA program. 'We're proud of the work being done in Sanford to protect green space, add to the tree canopy and invest in our future.' The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about Sanford's tree program, visit To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation and its programs, visit
