For the 13th year, the City of Boerne and the Parks and Recreation Department have been honored with the title of a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing its dedication to effective urban forest management.
“Being named a 2023 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.”
Meeting the program’s requirements, includes:
- Maintaining a tree board or department.
- Having a tree care ordinance.
- Setting aside an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and;
- Hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“This recognition aligns with our goals of preserving and enhancing our natural resources for current and future generations,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “We know how much our residents and visitors appreciate the improvements trees can play in enjoying our public green spaces.”
Since 2010, the City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department has spearheaded the planting of at least 1,850 trees in our community.
“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Boerne are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life.”
The Arbor Day Foundation, established in 1972, is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to tree planting, with a global reach. Its vision is to utilize trees to address critical issues for survival, planting nearly 500 million trees worldwide since its inception.
Boerne joined over 3,600 communities nationwide recognized for its commitment to tree care in 2023.
