The Arbor Day Foundation has announced that the City of Ogdensburg has been named a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. The City has received the honor for 19 straight years from the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees. "We all benefit when communities like Ogdensburg place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation's most beautiful resources," said John Rosenow, Chief Executive and Founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. We applaud Ogdensburg's elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest."
In order for Ogdensburg to become a Tree City USA community, the City had to meet four standards - have a Tree Commission, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Ogdensburg Mayor William D. Nelson (center) reads a proclamation declaring Friday, April 27, as Arbor Day to kindergarten and first-grade students at St. Marguerite D’Youville Academy. The Ogdensburg Tree Commission planted a common hackberry tree at Grove Street Park to celebrate Arbor Day and Ogdensburg’s 19th consecutive year as a Tree City USA community.