Sanford’s commitment to adding new and preserving existing trees has earned the city its first Tree City USA certification from the Arbor Day Foundation.
To achieve the recognition, the Sanford had to meet four core standards: appoint a tree board or department, create a tree care ordinance, develop a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and establish an Arbor Day proclamation and observance.
The City of Sanford’s Appearance Commission is the acting tree board for Sanford and was instrumental in creating the city’s tree care ordinance.
“The more trees you have, the healthier and more beautiful your city is. City of Sanford staff and the Sanford City Council understand the importance of this initiative and supported it from the beginning,” says Ken Laughinghouse, Appearance Commission chair. “Everyone worked together to bring the Tree City USA designation to Sanford.”
To maintain the designation, “the Commission will research and recommend trees for public areas to enhance Sanford’s appearance and preserve the city’s tree canopy,” says Liz Whitmore, planner with the City of Sanford.
To observe Arbor Day last year, the Appearance Commission planted a tree at the Sanford Municipal Golf Course. This year, it hopes to involve local schools. “We want to see the celebration get bigger each year,” Whitmore says.
For more information about the Arbor Day Foundation, go to www.arborday.org.