The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Sebastian as a 2023 Tree City USA for its dedication to effective urban forestry management.
Sebastian earned this distinction by fulfilling the program’s four criteria:
- Establishing a tree board or department
- Implementing a tree care ordinance
- Allocating a minimum of $2 per capita annually to community forestry
- Conducting an Arbor Day event and proclamation
The Tree City USA initiative, a collaboration between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, celebrates communities that actively manage and expand their public trees.
Dan Lambe, the Arbor Day Foundation’s CEO, noted that Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand.
“The trees being planted and cared for by Sebastian are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education,” Lambe said.
In an era where global concerns like air quality, water resource management, personal health, energy efficiency, and climate resilience are paramount, Sebastian’s commitment to tree planting and care contributes significantly to addressing these challenges.
Founded over a century ago in 1912, the Arbor Day Foundation has become the largest nonprofit organization committed to planting trees, boasting over a million members, supporters, and partners. The Foundation has planted nearly 500 million trees in various communities and forests worldwide since 1972. Its mission is to leverage the power of trees in addressing critical environmental issues.
As one of the leading conservation organizations globally, the Arbor Day Foundation engages a broad network of stakeholders and communities in its mission to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
