PURCELLVILLE, Va. April 3, 2018 — The Town of Purcellville has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is Purcellville’s 11th year achieving this national recognition. Additionally, the Town also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.
“The Town of Purcellville is committed to the environment and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation,” said Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “My alignment and engagement with the Catoctin Corner developer resulted in the planting of over 500 trees and shrubs. Thank you to the Town staff who work diligently to protect our trees and involve citizens, students, and scouts in being good stewards of the environment.”
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. Trees are part of the community infrastructure that increases in value over time. The Town of Purcellville is one of about 3,400 communities in the United States that have received this special designation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
The Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
