Fort Pierce was named a year Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The City of Fort Pierce has received this prestigious designation for 30 consecutive years.
Fort Pierce achieved 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. "This award was made possible by the Fort Pierce Tree Board and all of their hard work throughout the year," said Paul Bertram, Urban Forester.
“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.”
Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
This year, the City of Fort Pierce will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony in the roundabout at Avenue Q and 17th Street. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 2nd at 9am in conjunction with the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Great American Cleanup.
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. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.