The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Warwick a Tree City USA for the 15th consecutive year.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year.

The city was awarded the designation because it has again successfully met the four standards of a Tree City: have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand” said Dan Lambe, President of the National Arbor Day Foundation in a statement. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

“I am very proud that the City has been named a Tree City USA once again,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian. “Trees provide great environmental benefits, including noise and air pollution abatement, and a mature canopy of trees throughout the city plays an important role in maintaining the beauty of our community. Our annual Arbor Day ceremonies, many of which have been held at local schools, offer us a very visible and tangible way to ensure that our students learn how important trees are to our environment and how vital it is to preserve, restore, and protect our precious natural resources. I thank the National Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service for their acknowledgement of our continued efforts.”

Avedisian also recognized the work of the city’s Wildlife and Conservation Commission, whose members plan and participate in the Arbor Day ceremonies. “I thank them for their enthusiasm and their work each year to make sure we have a memorable and meaningful ceremony for our residents to enjoy.”