For 30 years, the City of Rehoboth Beach has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA Growth Award recipient.
The Tree City USA Growth Award is given yearly to a city that demonstrates great environmental improvement, a high level of tree care and a commitment to urban forest management.
In order to qualify for the award, the city must meet four specific requirements every year, including having a tree board/department, a tree-care ordinance, a $2 per capital annual community forestry budget and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. For the past 30 years, the city has met these requirements and continues to honor its Tree City title.
“I grew up in Rehoboth, so both on a personal and professional level, I’m incredibly proud that our community embraces our Tree City status,” says City Arborist Liz Lingo. “The city, property owners and our volunteers all played a vital role in helping us reach our 30-year anniversary as a Tree City USA.”
Rehoboth Beach and Newark are the only two communities in Delaware that are recognized for this award. This award not only recognizes the city’s environmental efforts, but it reaffirms its commitment to the trees and all the social, environmental, wildlife, aesthetic and health benefits that they provide.
“Rehoboth has always placed a high value on tree canopy, both on public and private property,” Lingo says. “We are one of the longest running cities in the state holding the Tree City designation. Our community takes pride in this distinction, and we endeavor to exceed the standards set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation.”
This program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.