Mission Viejo has been named a “Tree City USA” community by the Arbor Day Foundation – the 11th year the City has received the national recognition for its commitment to urban forestry.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit, environmental and education organization of nearly a million members, along with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
To become a Tree City USA community, the City once again met the four required standards – having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Mission Viejo is home to more than 45,000 trees. The urban forest is a critical part of both the environment and the aesthetics of the community. Mission Viejo’s urban forest is diverse with a multitude of varieties creating a healthy and sustainable urban forest environment. The award is significant for the City, as communities that receive Tree City USA recognition recognize that trees promote healthier communities, moderate climate, conserve water, reduce energy use, provide habitat for wildlife and can help increase property values and help beautify homes and neighborhoods.
“We commend Mission Viejo’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.
“Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each year, and we applaud communities that making planting and caring for trees a top priority.”
Residents of all ages can embrace and help celebrate Mission Viejo’s Tree City designation by taking part in a planting activity from 8 a.m. to noon April 30 to beautify Oso Viejo Park during the Arts Alive Festival. The City is hosting the planting activity in honor of Arbor Day. Details for volunteering are available at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/artsalivefestival/.
For more information about Tree City USA, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
………….. ….Mission Viejo has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation the 11th year the City has received the national recognition for its commitment to urban forestry… ………….. ….The public is invited to enjoy the inspiring Amazing Grace as part of a free movie series on Sunday April 17 at Mission Viejo City Hall. The PG-rated film which airs at 2 p.m. is sponsored by the City s Community of Character Committee. .. ………….. ….In an effort to benefit the environment and community as a whole Mayor Dave Leckness will square off with mayors from across Southern California this month to see whose city can be the most water wise. ..