PURCELLVILLE, Va. March 12, 2021 — In honor of its commitment to community forestry and the environment, the Town of Purcellville has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the Town’s 13th year to receive this national recognition. The Town also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating continued environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
Mayor Kwasi Fraser stated, “We remain committed to the planting and caring of trees in Purcellville for it is an essential part of environmental sustainability and our slow growth strategy. It’s a pleasure to celebrate this 13th annual Tree City designation and Growth Award with the entire community.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Purcellville are ensuring generations to come will enjoy 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.”
It is through the continued support of the Town Council that Purcellville is able to remain committed to sustain a culture of tree and environmental preservation. Additionally, the Tree City Growth Award was obtained through the amazing work of the Tree and Environmental Sustainability Committee (TESC) and Town staff. COVID-19 may have altered how celebrations and outreach were completed in 2020; however, the dedication of TESC, Town staff, as well as many volunteers ensured the Purcellville community could continue to celebrate trees and the environment. This was accomplished through the Wonder of Trees poster contest, the virtual Purcellville Green Expo/Hail to the Trail celebration, nature walks, tree plantings and trail maintenance, as well as many other efforts.
Joel Grewe, Purcellville Town Council member and council liaison for TESC noted, “The Tree and Environmental Sustainability Committee has done excellent work showcasing Purcellville's commitment to our forests and community health. The Town of Purcellville should be rightfully proud of the hard work of its residents and town staff in their work to plant and care for the trees in our community. The investment in our trees will help maintain our town's natural beauty and health for generations to come."
Molly O’Liddy, Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator, Virginia Department of Forestry, thanked the Town of Purcellville “for setting a wonderful example of urban forest management for communities across the Commonwealth.”
