The Arbor Day Foundation has honored the City of Bowling Green with the 2024 Tree City USA award in recognition of its dedication to effective urban forest management. This year marks the 44th occasion Bowling Green has earned this distinction, further emphasizing its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the city received the prestigious Tree City USA Growth Award for the 30th time, acknowledging its continuous efforts in fostering higher standards of tree care and environmental improvement.
Bowling Green secured its Tree City USA recognition by adhering to the program’s four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, enforcing a tree-care ordinance, allocating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and holding an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Smart investments in urban forests yield immense benefits for everyone,” remarked Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “In communities like Bowling Green, the dedication of elected officials, volunteers, and citizens ensures that trees enhance our homes and neighborhoods with beauty, while also providing economic, social, and environmental advantages.”
The additional honor of a Growth Award signifies Bowling Green’s commitment to establishing a sustainable urban forest management framework. The benefits of a robust urban forest include:
- Trees diminish urban traffic noise by up to 40%.
- Tree-lined neighborhoods are typically seven to nine degrees cooler than those without trees.
- By providing shade and wind protection, trees can reduce energy costs by up to 25%.
- Properties with trees generally boast higher market values.
- Urban green spaces are crucial for enhancing mental and physical health.
- Trees play a vital role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating climate change effects.
The Tree City USA program is a collaborative initiative of the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. For more information about the program, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
