Dunwoody Recognized as Tree City USA Community

For the fifth consecutive year, The City of Dunwoody was recognized as a Tree City USA Community for its commitment to caring for and managing its public trees.

The City of Dunwoody was recognized for its commitment to caring for and managing its public trees and was honored during the 2017 State Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta for being one of Georgia's "Tree City USA" communities.

The Tree City USA designation was presented by the Georgia Forestry Commission which provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. Recognized cities meet certain requirements, including the establishment of a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations, all of which were achieved by Dunwoody.

Due to Georgia's ideal winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is designated annually as Arbor Day in Georgia. Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation naming February 17 as Arbor Day in Georgia for 2017. There are 135 Tree City USAs in Georgia. Nationwide, more than 3,400 Tree City USA communities serve as home to more than 135 million Americans.

“Our city has worked with partner organizations to educate residents and community members on the benefits of planting trees to help provide cleaner air, protect valuable soil from erosion, and add to the essential well-being of the ecosystem,” said Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal. “Since 2009, the city has planted more than 740 trees in city parks and city owned right-of-ways.”

Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal participated in a panel discussion on the Peachtree Gateway Partnership as part of the Mayors’ Symposium on Trees. Dunwoody also planted two trees at Brook Run Park in celebration of Arbor Day, which helped it meet the standards necessary to be a Tree City USA for the 2016 year.

The City of Dunwoody hosted its inaugural MLK, Jr. Day of Service on January 16, 2017 where more than 250 community members volunteered for various service efforts including the planting of 60-plus trees at Brook Run Park, and clearing and removing invasive plants at Dunwoody Nature Center. The event was conducted with the help of Trees Atlanta who assisted volunteers with proper tree planting instruction and guidance.

"Trees clean our air, filter our water, spur economic growth and provide countless opportunities to enjoy recreation, contributing to a better quality of life," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The citizens of Dunwoody can take pride in their community leaders' commitment to trees and forested land - on Arbor Day and every other day of the year."

For more information about Georgia's trees and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org. For information about becoming a Tree City USA and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.

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