Peoria Standard

The Arbor Day Foundation recently named the city of Greenville a 2015 Tree City USA for its commitment to urban forest management.

The Tree City USA program began in 1976 to recognize cities with a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual forest budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The program has now recognized Greenville for 21 years.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, said. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

The city of Greenville continues to effectively support the care of its urban trees, as its government believes the trees improve the visual appeal of the neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.