By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
PLAINSBORO — The township has been named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its commitment to planting and taking care of its trees.
Plainsboro achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the program’s four requirements — a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The township has a Shade Tree Advisory Committee, which publishes a tree maintenance guide. The annual Arbor Day celebration is set for April 28.
Mayor Peter Cantu was pleased that the township has been named a Tree City USA.
“This represents the 31st year we have received this prestigious recognition,” Mayor Cantu said. “We understand trees are vital to the public infrastructure of our town and provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits.”
The Tree City USA program is 40 years old, and Plainsboro Township has been named a Tree City USA for 31 of those 40 years. The township will receive a Tree City USA flag and other materials in connection with its being named a Tree City USA.
Plainsboro Township is one of more than 3,400 communities to be named a Tree City USA. The program was started in 1976 and is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forestry Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, praised Plainsboro Township for its efforts.
“As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you already know trees are vital to the public infrastructure of cities and towns throughout the country,” Mr. Lambe said.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when they are properly planted and maintained, he said. Trees help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood and they increase property values. They reduce cooling costs and remove air pollutants.
“Plainsboro residents should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority,” Mr. Lambe said.
