For the Miami Valley Today
TROY — The city of Troy was again named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective city forest management. This will be the 36th consecutive year that the city has received the title.
The Tree City USA program celebrates over 3,600 cities in the United States for their commitment to the management and accessibility of trees. In order to qualify, cities must meet four qualifications:
• Maintaining a tree board or department,
• Having a community tree care ordinance,
• Having a forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and
• Celebrating Arbor Day.
Troy’s tree preservation and management programs are handled through the Park Department, under Certified Arborist and Park Department Jeremy Drake. The Park Department assists in planting, re-planting, and caring for trees on parks and public properties, and provides guidance on appropriate planting for residents and contractors.
“Thanks to Jeremy Drake, our city forester, and the Park Department, a net of 1,161 trees were planted throughout the city in 2021,” said Mayor Robin Oda. “We’re fortunate to have a history of residents who care about trees, and philanthropists such as the Robinsons who have supported our forestry program.”
About 11,000 new trees were planted in the new Robinson Reserve at Duke Park last year. Other trees have been planted in parks, as replacements for trees removed due to damage or construction, and throughout the community.
