Arbor Day Foundation Names Orion Township Tree City USA

Orion Township, MI (April 26, 2021) – Orion Township was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

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.

Orion Township achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Orion Township make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

“Orion Township is committed to being a Tree City USA, with more than 4200 acres of canopy and a community forestry budget of $5 per capita.” said Chris Barnett, Orion Township Supervisor. “We all know the value trees have to our air quality, but they also provide increased property values for our residents, energy savings, and most importantly, a mental health escape. So come out and enjoy our many parks and paths in Orion Township, Where Living is a Vacation, and now a Tree City USA community!”

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.