Castle Rock, Englewood, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Lone Tree and Parker Colorado in Douglas County have all earned this national designation as Tree City USA.
No one can deny how clean and beautiful the city streets around all of Douglas County are but what is it that sets these towns apart from other pretty cities with lots of trees?
There are four standards to meet and exceed to become a Tree City USA and Douglas County has long displayed a high level of commitment to keeping open space throughout the county, preserving wildlife and continuing to have a strong commitment to urban forestry.
Tree City USA Communities must have:
- Tree board or department
- A tree-care ordinance
- A comprehensive community forestry program
- An Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Castle Rock Colorado has earned this title for the last 23 years, “We commend Castle Rock’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 day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”
Why does the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service give recognition to communities that meet and exceed these standards?
Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees help the environment by filtering the air we breathe, use less heat in the winter by providing wind breaks and less air conditioning in the summer by providing shade and provide natural habitat for birds and wildlife that Douglas County is known for. Tree’s also help to reduce the “heat island effect” in cities that is caused by the pavement and buildings, increase property values and no less important add to the beauty of our streets, homes and parks.
To find out if your community is a Tree City USA see the list here.
