Prescott tabbed Tree City

By submitted, 03/17/21 1:11 PM

LINCOLN, NE – Prescott has been named a 2020 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management, according to a release from the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF).

Prescott achieved this recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department; a tree care ordinance; an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambre, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Prescott are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participating in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time, the release states. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well being, energy use and protection from extreme heat and flooding. The ADF recently launched the Time for Trees initiative to address these issues, with unprecedented goals of planting 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspiring five million tree planters by 2022. With Tree City USA recognition, Prescott has demonstrated a commitment to effective urban forest management and doing its part to help address these challenges for Prescott residents now and in the future.

The Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office handles the ADF requirements, and will be doing a coloring contest for 4^th graders  at Nevada and Prescott Schools. The winners will be awarded sonic gift cards. 1^st -$25, 2^nd-$15 and, 3^rd-$10.

The EDO will also be planting trees on April 30 in the Prescott city park.