The City of Virginia Beach is hosting an Arbor Day celebration 10 a.m., Friday, April 29, 2011 at Newtown Elementary School, located at 5277 Learning Circle. During the ceremony, Mayor William D. Sessoms Jr. will accept the 31st consecutive “Tree City USA” Award from the Virginia Department of Forestry. The “Tree City USA” award identifies the city as a community that has a proven commitment to an ongoing community forestry program.
Representatives from the Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Beautification Commission, Virginia Beach Master Gardener Tree Stewards, and third grade students from Newtown Elementary School will also participate in the Arbor Day festivities. And, the Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach will host a reception and serve refreshments after the ceremony. Virginia Beach residents are invited to attend the ceremony and to celebrate the “Tree City USA” award.
“A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks”, says John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and they also provide environmental and economical benefits. Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest.”
Kristina Salzman, City Arborist, explains that, “trees impact all of us each and every day, they help to clean the air we breathe, help to regulate the temperature of our surroundings, and provide beauty for us to admire.”
For more information about the Arbor Day celebration, or the City of Virginia Beach’s urban forestry program, please contact Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s Landscape Management Division at (757) 385-4461 or fun@VBgov.com. Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community. We are accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information, call (757) 385-1100 (TTY: 757-711 Virginia Relay), visit VBgov.com/parks or sign up our email newsletters at VBgov.com/newsletters. |