WESTFIELD-Since 2004, Westfield has been recognized as a Tree City USA, and recently was also acknowledged for the first time by the Arbor Day Foundation with a Tree City USA Growth Award.
The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. Also, the award highlights a community’s increased commitment of resources for urban forestry as well as provides a forum to share ideas and successes across the country.
The city applied for the Planning and Management category of the growth award because it hired a professional tree manager, according to Francis Cain, assistant director, Westfield’s Department of Public Works (DPW).
One of the divisions of the DPW is Land and Natural Resources which includes tree management and care on a daily basis. Employees are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of all city parks, including all school athletic fields.
“Scott Hathaway, our deputy of Land and Natural Resources, and all of his hard work is the reason for us receiving this award,” said Cain.
Westfield is one of more than 3,400 communities that have made the commitment to achieve the Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management – maintaining a tree board or department; having a community tree ordinance; spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
This is one of several signs in the city that designates Westfield as a Tree City USA.
The Tree City USA program, a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees, has been greening up cities and towns since 1976.
The Arbor Day Foundation encourages more communities to consider becoming a Tree City USA because trees “clean air and water, slow climate change, ease poverty and hunger, prevent species loss, and feed the human soul.”
In a letter to communities this spring, Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe noted “it is time for all of us to step up and help our planet thrive.”
Lambe said that tree planting is a proven approach to solving challenging problems on a worldwide scale.
“Trees filter pollutants out of the air and water while protecting us from dangerous heat and flooding,” said Lambe. “They lower urban temperatures, reduce energy use and sequester carbon to slow the rate of climate change. Resources from forests also help to keep people out of extreme poverty.”
Lambe added that green environments encourage physical activity, improve cognitive ability and reduce stress.
“Trees also foster community engagement and connectivity in a unique and positive way,” said Lambe. “If ever there was a time to plant trees, now is that time.”
Cain noted that the growth award “shows our commitment to taking care of our trees.”
A plaque recognizing the city’s latest designation is currently displayed in Hathaway’s office. At press time, Hathaway was away on a military obligation and could not be reached for comment.
