Tom Claeys - State Forester | North Dakota Forest Service
Tom Claeys - State Forester | North Dakota Forest Service
A city that takes pride in its trees also invests in its citizens, as exemplified by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. Since its inception in 1976, this initiative has acknowledged cities and leaders who strive to enhance urban green spaces.
The program aids over 3,500 cities, ranging from small towns like Sibley, North Dakota, to metropolises like New York City, in promoting the benefits of maintaining tree cover. Communities like these are encouraged to commit to greener environments, which, in turn, elevate the community's quality of life.
North Dakota is home to 50 Tree City USA communities, five of which have received a Growth Award. Additionally, institutions like Dakota College at Bottineau, North Dakota State University, United Tribes Technical College, and the University of North Dakota have been recognized with Tree Campus Higher Education Awards.
To earn the Tree City USA designation, communities must meet certain standards, such as establishing a tree board or department, implementing a community tree ordinance, dedicating a minimum of $2 per person to urban forestry, and hosting Arbor Day celebrations. These practices significantly affect the state’s health, safety, and economy while enhancing community aesthetics.
Beth Reiser, President of the Gackle Park Board, expressed her pride in Gackle's achievements: “Pride is the best word that describes how we feel about our beautiful little town becoming a Tree City USA community. We’ve worked hard on our parks and community to bring much-needed life back to it. We have submitted grants, created a tree board, held pruning classes, handed out 50 young trees to our community members for Arbor Day, and planted 55 trees across our 3 parks. We are planting for the future, creating a shade canopy, attracting birds and pollinators, and beautifying this town we love. Come visit us in Gackle.”
Communities interested in gaining Tree City USA status are encouraged to take the Arbor Day Foundation's Readiness Quiz, available on their website. This tool assists communities in assessing their qualification for recognition and provides guidance on next steps to join the initiative.
Furthermore, those interested in participating can reach out to the North Dakota Community Forestry staff for more information. Arbor Day festivities will take place statewide this spring, emphasizing the importance of tree planting and care.
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