COLONIE — For the sixth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation has named the town a Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Town Supervisor Peter Crummey recognized the designation by issuing proclamation, unveiling a new Tree City USA sign, and raising the Tree City USA flag over Town Hall.
The Town of Colonie achieved the Tree City USA designation by meeting the program’s four requirements: having a Conservation Advisory Council committed to tree conservation, its tree code, its commitment to an annual community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Since the Town was first designated, residents have received nearly 7,000 seedings annually to celebrate Arbor Day and conservation efforts in Colonie.
“Our town is able to earn this designation because we have so many residents that are dedicated to preserving the character of our community and understand the intrinsic value of planting and caring for our trees,” Crummey said. “We will continue to embrace sustainable environmental policies that will protect the natural beauty of Colonie for generations to come.”
The Town’s Arbor Day/Conservation Day Celebration will culminate on May 7 at the Pruyn House where residents can pick up free seedlings provided by the Conservation Advisory Council. The saplings will be available from 9 a.m. until noon or until supplies last.
“This designation is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the commitments made by town leaders and others like the Conservation Advisory Council to promote ecological sustainability across Colonie,” said Sean Maguire, the town’s director of planning and economic development.
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. 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.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Colonie make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
