Mentor named a Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation for 33rd year

Mentor has been named a 2020 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 33rd year in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Mentor 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.

Last year, the city spent $102,760 toward its program, according to a news release.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, in the release.

“The trees being planted and cared for by Mentor are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.

“Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Typically, Arbor Day is celebrated at one of the elementary schools in Mentor where several trees are planted.

That tradition will continue later this spring but due to the pandemic, student participation is not expected to take place.

“With environmental issues evermore at the forefront of our society it is exciting to be able to play a role in maintaining and expanding the urban forest,” Mentor Public Works Director Matt Schweikert stated in the release.

“With Mentor City Council providing funding and the Mentor Tree Commission providing guidance the Public Works Department has overseen the planting of more than 1,000 trees over the past five years.

“These trees pay enormous dividends not only in terms of air quality, but also in terms of home value and overall sense of place and well-being.”