Rooted in pride: Somers celebrates fifth year as 'Tree City USA'

SOMERS, N.Y. - Mother Nature has a true friend in Somers.

For the fifth year in a row, the town has been named by the Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree City USA" in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, protect, and maintain trees.

The foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to support and celebrate trees.

It has a network of more than a million supporters and partners who have helped it plant more than 500 million trees in more than 60 countries since 1971.

The program recognizes cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their areas for more than 40 years.

“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like the Town of Somers are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, its vice president of programs.

“Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency, and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud that Somers is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees,” she added.

To earn recognition as a “Tree City USA”, a municipality must uphold four core standards including the maintenance of a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

“In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners,” Saulnier said.

TREE CITY USA’S GROWTH

Tree City USA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

“While a lot has changed over the last five decades, trees have remained a constant and crucial part of improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. In the last 50 years Tree City USA -- and the incredible network of tree champions who have supported it — has shaped a legacy of meaningful civic impact,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “This milestone is a tribute to the local leaders who are working every day to grow hope across the country.” 

In 1976, 42 communities earned the distinction of Tree City USA. Today, more than 3,500 cities and towns in all 50 states are currently recognized through the program.

Tree City USA communities plant nearly 1 million trees annually and the 2024 class of recognized communities invested a collective $2 billion in trees.

By gaining recognition through the program, municipalities have gained access to a unique national network of urban forestry professionals and helped create greater local support for canopy growth, it said.

For more information, visit www.arborday.org

GREEN HAPPENINGS

Scheduled this month are a whole bunch of Earth Day events in Somers, including the planting of an Eastern Redbud sapling at Bailey Park (292 Route 202) on Friday, April 24. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and is sponsored by the Somers Energy and Environment Committee.

Other fun stuff for the environmentally conscious to do include a “Find the Birds of Spring” program at Angle Fly Preserve (April 24), a wildflower walk at Muscoot Farm (April 26), a "Return of the Fisher" presentation by the Somers Land Trust (April 25), Medicinal plant and tree tour (April 25) at Lasdon Public Gardens (Route 35), and a local Medication Take Back event (April 25). 

For the full list and details of those and other happenings, visit www.somersny.gov/events