Tree City USA Application
Did you know that the Ephrata Borough Shade Tree Commission has applied for Ephrata Borough to become a Tree City USA? Achieving this recognition would not only showcase the Borough’s dedication to nurturing the local tree population but also help grant access to valuable resources and grant opportunities to further enhance the community's green spaces.
Tree City USA Program History
Beginning in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs to date with the founders envisioning a healthier and greener America. The first cohort of the Tree City USA program comprised of 42 communities within 16 states. Today, there are 3,652 recognized cities (www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa), with over 941,725 trees planted.
Why Become a Tree City USA?
Having additional green space within the Borough has many advantages to our community:
Reduce the noise from a busy Main St.
Reduce energy costs, up to 25%, by shading buildings from harsh Ephrata winds.
Green space improves mental and physical health.
Homes with additional trees have a higher property value.
Mitigation of climate change.
How to Become a Tree City USA?
Our Ephrata Borough can become a Tree City USA, by meeting four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.
A Tree Board of Department - There must be an individual or group legally responsible for the care of all the trees on city-or-town owned property.
A Public Tree Care Ordinance - The Borough must have a qualifying ordinance that provides clear guidance for “planting, maintaining, and/or removing trees from streets, parks, and other public spaces” (arborday.org) and must be in effect 24/7.
A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita - The Borough must provide support at or above the $2 per capita minimum for the trees within Borough green spaces.
An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation - The Borough must celebrate all the hard work that goes into providing residents and business owners a clean and green space!
The Borough, along with the assistance of the Shade Tree Commission, want to create and maintain a clean and green space for all Ephrata Borough residents, business owners, and visitors and are dedicated and excited for this recognition.