Glen Cove Named "2025 Tree City" for Arbor Day

By Leader Staff

The City of Glen Cove has been named a "2025 Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation, for the community's strong record of planting, growing and maintaining healthy trees in the city.

"Reaching our 25th year as a Tree City USA is a testament to Glen Cove's dedication to environmental stewardship," said Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Since 1972, the organization and its network of more than a million supporters and partners have planted more than 500 million trees across more than 60 countries.

The first American Arbor Day was originated by Sterling Morton of Nebraska, at an annual meeting of the Nebraska State board of agriculture held in Lincoln, Nebraska. That year, over one million trees were planted in Nebraska.

The popularity of Arbor Day then spread across the United States.

America's first conservationist President, Theodore Roosevelt, made Arbor Day a national event: On April 15, 1907, Roosevelt issued an "Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States" about the importance of trees and greenery. He asked that forestry be taught in all American schools.

 "I am incredibly grateful to the members of our Beautification and Tree Commissions," added Mayor Panzenbeck. "Their commitment to protecting and enhancing our local ecosystem is what makes this recognition possible year after year."

The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years.

"We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Glen Cove are leading the way," said Michelle Saulnier, a Vice President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities."

"We are proud that the City of Glen Cove is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees," added Saulnier.

Trees in urban areas are proven to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs.

The Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. For more than 50 years, they've planted more than half a billion trees.

Arbor Day this year is on April 24th. Learn more at arborday.org.