Lewes to recognize Arbor Day with tree planting April 30
The City of Lewes has been honored by the Arbor Day Foundation with a Tree City USA designation for 2020.
Lewes achieved Tree City USA recognition for the 19th consecutive year by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board commissioner, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The City of Lewes passed a resolution in 2011 to increase the city forest canopy density from 27 percent to 35 percent by 2021. To reach that goal, the city worked with Bartlett Tree Experts on a management plan and tree inventory program, and uploaded the data into a tree management software program called ArborScope.
It is well known that communities are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and mental well-being, energy resources and protection from flooding and extreme heat. Trees benefit communities by protecting them from erosion caused by wind and water, providing habitat for wildlife, producing oxygen, cleaning the air, and enhancing and beautifying the community.
In recognition of Arbor Day, volunteers from the City of Lewes Parks & Recreation Commission will plant a tree in Zwaanendael Park at 10 a.m., Friday, April 30.
Members of the public are encouraged to come out, enjoy the parks and join in the tree planting.
