Press Release from the City of Opelika
For the 30th year Opelika has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The Opelika Tree Commission has operated under Keep Opelika Beautiful for the past three years. “Keep Opelika Beautiful provides educational program in all Opelika Schools. Part of the curriculum is teaching about Arbor Day and the benefits of planting and maintain trees in our community, said Tipi Miller, director of Keep Opelika Beautiful. “We have also done Christmas tree recycling, Shred Days and tree planting at Garden in the Park. These are great times to talk to people about the importance of trees”.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Cities achieve Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like City make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”