A Group Of People Holding Signs — Katie Wiswall, a forest management specialist with the Alabama Forestry Commission, left, presents Tree City USA items to Mayor Craig Ford and Tena King, Director of City Services. (City of Gadsden)

The City of Gadsden is Alabama’s newest Tree City USA.

The city made the announcement in March. In its history, 80+ Alabama communities have earned the Tree City designation with Mobile as the oldest participant.

Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said becoming a Tree City enables Alabama’s 17th largest town to promote and protect its natural resources.

“Natural resources like Noccalula Falls and the Coosa River are some of our greatest assets here in Gadsden, and this designation is another way to focus on appreciating nature. Planting new trees is important, but properly managing our existing trees is also a critical part in keeping the city clean.”

What is a Tree City?

Tree City USA is a national recognition program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.

In a nutshell, communities can become a Tree City by meeting 4 fundamental standards.

They include:

Operating a city Tree Board or Department
Establishing a Public Tree Care Ordinance
Supporting a Community Forestry Program
Observing Arbor Day

Any incorporated municipality can participate. In fact, Pine Apple, Alabama – a town with a population of 100 is a Tree City.

Gadsden is on a roll

In addition to becoming a Tree City, the city recently finished the Grow Gadsden Comprehensive Plan. Included in its “to do” list” is the creation of a Gadsden Greenway around the city and park improvements.

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