Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 1, 2005

MAYOR DOUGHERTY TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY’S 25th
ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION ON APRIL 6

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick will be celebrating 25 years as a Tree City U.S.A. on Arbor Day, April 6, 1 p.m., in Amber Meadows Park. Frederick is the only city in the state of Maryland that has held this title for 25 years.

In order for a city to be honored, it must meet four standards set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The following is the criteria:
Possess a tree board or department
Community tree ordinance
Community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita
An Arbor Day Observance with a Proclamation.

In addition to the Tree City USA award, the City of Frederick is also eligible for Growth Award and the PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) Award. The PLANT award is a state- wide award recognizing tree planting and tree care efforts in communities.

To acknowledge this achievement, the Maryland State Forester, Steve Koehn will be on hand to present a plaque denoting this distinguished honor. The 3rd graders from Monocacy Elementary School will also present a tree program.

The ceremonial tree this year will be the ‘Homestead’ Elm tree. Three trees are being planted to replace trees lost previously in the park. This Elm is a disease-resistant hybrid that was developed and distributed by the USDA National Arboretum in response to the devastating loss of American Elms to Dutch Elm disease. The Homestead Elm was chosen in part to help improve diversity in our urban forest.

Special ‘Tree City U.S.A.’ flags will be set out in the downtown area in observance of the celebration. These flags and trees were purchased through generous donations made by the following sponsors: Greenwalled Garden club, Frederick County Forestry Board, Stadler Gardens, Taskers Chance Garden Club, and The Garden Club of Frederick, in addition to a grant from the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Community Forest Committee.

The Arbor Day Program is an educational opportunity for the students and the community, promoting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of trees. Trees enhance our quality of life and add value to our community.

To learn more about tree care and the tree program in the City of Frederick there will be a display at the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23, 12 - 4 p.m., in Baker Park. The public is invited and encouraged to attend both programs.