Arbor Day Foundation Names Leeds Tree City USA for 32nd Year

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Arbor Day Foundation Names Leeds Tree City USA for 32nd Year

On April 4, 2022 Leeds, AL was honored as a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its commitment to effective urban forest management. First named a Tree City in 1987, Leeds has earned the recognition for the 32nd time.  These many years of recognition are due in large part to the diligent effort of the Leeds Tree Commission with the support of the Mayor and City Council.

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. It is administered in Alabama by the Alabama forestry Commission’s Urban & Community Forestry staff.

Leeds achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements:

  1. a tree board or department
  2. a tree-care ordinance
  3. an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
  4. an Arbor Day observance and proclamation
Arbor Day Foundation Names Leeds Tree City USA for 32nd Year | On April 4, 2022 Leeds, AL was honored as a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day

Photo L-R: Eddie Cook, Linda Miller, Katie Wiswall

Arbor Day Foundation Names Leeds Tree City USA for 32nd Year | On April 4, 2022 Leeds, AL was honored as a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day

Photo L-R: Katie Wiswall, Linda Miller, Eddie Cook

Arbor Day Foundation Names Leeds Tree City USA for 32nd Year

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like the City of Leeds who 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.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency charged with protecting and sustaining Alabama’s forest resources, which contribute not only to abundant timber and wildlife, but also clean air and water, as well as a healthy economy. To learn more about the AFC, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. For more information visit www.arborday.org.

Photos courtesy of Dona Bonnett.

For more information, contact:
Edward Cook, Chairman of Leeds Tree Commission
205-542-0486

Katie Wiswall, Urban & Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator
Alabama Forestry Commission
334-399-4590 or Katie.wiswall@forestry.alabama.gov