The City of Valparaiso has been named a Tree City USA for 2024 by the Arbor Day Foundation, in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. “Planting trees and cultivating an urban forest brings us together for meaningful benefits. We plant for our future and the future of our children, to provide shade, beauty, air purifying and soil stabilization into the future,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
Valparaiso’s extensive urban forest includes more than 10,000 trees and adds more than $29 million in value to the city. Valpo joins more than 3,400 communities nationwide to earn the Tree City USA recognition, based on meeting tree-enhancing criteria, including having a tree management team, maintaining a tree and landscaping guideline in the city’s development ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry efforts, and fostering an Arbor Day appreciation.
“We’re so pleased to earn this designation, recognizing the priority Valparaiso puts on its trees. This is the City of Valparaiso’s 20th year of earning this recognition,” said Matt McBain, Valparaiso’s ISA Certified Arborist and City Forester. McBain manages the city’s Tree Management Team through the Valparaiso City Services Department, with support from a tree crew including Crew Leader Anthony Santos, plus Josh Oliver and Tyler Smithson.
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. For more information about Valparaiso’s urban forestry efforts and suggested trees for residential use, visit Valpo.us.
Join Valpo for an Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Join the City of Valparaiso for a tree planting event at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 26. In the College Hill neighborhood. Meet at Will Park, 354 Morgan Blvd. This event is funded by a Neighborhood Improvement Grant.
Photo caption:
For the 20th year, Valparaiso has been recognized as a Tree City USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management. Valparaiso’s extensive urban forest includes more than 10,000 trees and adds more than $29 million in value to the city. Pictured is a recent downtown tree planting event organized by the city's ISA Certified Arborist and City Forester Matt McBain.