RALEIGH, N.C. — Greenville has been recognized once again for its commitment to a healthy community tree care program.

The N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program recently announced that Greenville was one of 71 communities to be awarded Tree City USA designation for 2023. It is the 35th consecutive year that the city has earned the honor.

The Tree City USA program is a national program that provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns. By meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management, communities can achieve TreeCity USA status.

“The urban forestry achievements of our communities are deserving of recognition because their actions will further enhance the quality of life in these communities and the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Achieving any of these acknowledgements reinforces a community’s commitment to healthy urban tree canopy, tree conservation, reduced stormwater runoff, increased property values, clean air and water.”

The City celebrated the accomplishment during its annual Arbor Day tree-planting event held on April 26 at Wellcome Middle School. During the event, the City and North Carolina Forest Service joined students in planting trees near the school.

Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level including community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources in North Carolina. The NCFS Urban and Community Forestry program oversees the application and award process for Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and TreeLine USA.

To learn more about N.C. Forest Service urban and community forestry programs and services, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm. For a complete list of Tree City, Tree Campus and Tree Line USA recipients, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/pdf/Tree_City_USA/Tree%20City-Campus-Line_Recipients.pdf.