Arbor Day Foundation names Ponca City Tree City USA

Ponca City was named a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Ponca City achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Ponca City’s Park and Recreation Department will celebrate Arbor Day on Tuesday, March 27, weather permitting, with a tree planting at 9 a.m. at Garfield Park, with help from Garfield Elementary fifth graders. Citizens are welcome to attend the celebration.

More information on Tree City USA is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.