Quincy receives Tree City USA Growth Award from Arbor Day Foundation

QUINCY — The Arbor Day Foundation recently awarded Quincy a Tree City USA Growth Award to recognize the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.

In a press release, Mayor Mike Troup said, “This is quite an accomplishment for Quincy. This is Quincy’s 36^th year being recognized as a Tree City USA, and to be honored with the Growth Award is a tribute to the work of the Quincy Tree Commission.”

A community can receive a Growth Award, in addition to its Tree City USA recognition, by demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care. The Growth Award uses a point-based system to recognize major milestones and annual activities aimed at building sustainable community forestry programs.

Planning Director Chuck Bevelheimer said Quincy qualified for this award, in part, because of its street tree planting program, its annual Arbor Day events and its landscape award.

“The Tree City USA Growth Award is a great recognition for the city and the Quincy Park District, which continues to be a great partner in the goal of expanding the urban tree canopy in Quincy,” said Bevelheimer.

Dan Lambe, executive director of the Arbor Day Foundation, said Tree City USA communities experience the positive effects of an urban tree canopy year after year.

“The trees being planted and cared for by Quincy are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” he said. “Additionally, participating in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”

The Arbor Day Foundation estimates urban tree plantings help reduce energy consumption by up to 25 percent, which will reduce general energy costs and help with the overall cooling of the city.