ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION NAMES LA MESA TREE CITY USA FOR 39TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

La Mesa, CA...The Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management has named La Mesa a 2018 Tree City USA for the 39th consecutive year. La Mesa 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.
 
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation.  “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
 
To celebrate Arbor Day this year, the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation and the City of La Mesa will be hosting the La Mesa Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 27 from 10 am to 1 pm at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. This free family event will include interactive booths, vendors, and the Pedal for the Planet Trail Ride. For more information about the event, visit cityoflamesa.us/1523/Earth-Day-Festival or call 619.667.1319.
 
Trees provide multiple benefits 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.  More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.