Tree City USA
and Tree Campus USA
Cooler temperatures. Cleaner air. Higher property values. Healthier residents.
The benefits trees bring to urban environments are endless — and by earning Tree City USA recognition, your community can experience them firsthand.
The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.
PROGRAM HISTORY
Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs. The founders had a vision for a greener, healthier America, and hoped this initiative would inspire change on a nationwide level.
The first Tree City USA cohort was comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
There have been a lot of change over the years — but participants’ passion for trees has remained the same.
The story isn’t over. The Arbor Day Foundation hopes to continue growing this network, city by city, until every American can live in a Tree City USA community.
WHY BECOME A TREE CITY USA COMMUNITY?
A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to communities. Here are just a few:
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Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.
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Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.
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Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
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Homes with trees have higher property values.
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Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.
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Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.
Publicly demonstrating your commitment to the environment is a great way to build pride among residents, as well as position your community as an attractive place to live. To help you share your award, the foundation send signs, flags, press releases, and other materials after your acceptance.
Montana participants
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Blackfeet Nation
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Montana Campus Participants
University of Montana
An arboretum is a living museum devoted to trees and shrubs selected for education, scenic beauty, and passing on a legacy. The arboretum showcases eight forest regions of North America and has more than 2,000 trees here on the University of Montana campus. Visit often as the university adds regional trees and expands mini-habitats to demonstrate natural communities.
Montana State University
Montana State University has been designated a Tree Campus USA in honor of its commitment to effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
The university is home to more than 2,000 trees with an online inventory detailing each tree species. Since receiving its first Tree Campus USA designation in 2012, MSU has gained more than 268 trees and transplanted 70.
Carroll College
Carroll College has been recognized as a Tree Campus Higher Education school by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This program celebrates colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.