For the 15th consecutive year, the City of Boerne and its Parks and Recreation Department have been recognized as a 2024 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, honoring the City’s continued commitment to effective urban forest management.
“Being named a 2024 Tree City USA is a testament to Boerne’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability,” Mayor Frank Ritchie said. “Our City has long recognized the vital role that trees play in enhancing our quality of life, mitigating environmental impacts, and fostering a sense of community pride.”
To achieve Tree City USA status, a community must meet four core standards of sound urban forestry management:
- Maintain a tree board or department;
- Have a tree care ordinance;
- Dedicate at least $2 per capita annually to urban forestry; and
- Host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“These requirements have remained consistent over the years, and our continued recognition reflects how deeply they are embedded in our planning and values,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “Our team and community members understand the positive impact trees have in making our parks and public spaces healthier and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Since 2010, the City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department has spearheaded the planting of 1,950 trees throughout the community. Additionally, in November 2024, the City of Boerne hosted a community tree giveaway. The free event allowed residents to take home one overstory and one understory tree to further extend environmental enhancements.
“We all have a role to play in shaping out future and tree champions like Boerne are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good heath in our nation’s cities.”
The Arbor Day Foundation, established in 1972, is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to tree planting. With a global reach, the Foundation has helped plant nearly 500 million trees worldwide and continues to promote the use of trees to address critical challenges facing communities and ecosystems.
Boerne joined over 3,600 communities nationwide recognized in 2024 for their commitment to tree care and urban forest preservation.
