Cuyahoga Falls to Celebrate Tree City USA Award

From the city’s 25 public parks to the trees planted between lanes on Broad Boulevard, Cuyahoga Falls is honored for its efforts to keep the city green.

The Arbor Day Foundation recently labeled Cuyahoga Falls as an official Tree City USA Community. It’s the 24th year the city has earned the honor from the nonprofit organization.

“We commend Cuyahoga Falls’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation in a press release.

“Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority,” he added.

The city has to meet the following four standards each year to become a Tree City USA community:

• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air by removing dust and other particles.

• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.

• Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.

• Increase property values by reducing energy use and adding beauty to homes and neighborhoods.

This year, the city will hold its annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 29 at the Natatorium. Details are still in the works. The city plans to honor the ’s K-9 unit, which was revived in January, and announce the start of  a fundraising campaign.

“It’s a pretty well oiled machine at this point, but Arbor Day is a big event in the Falls,” said Valerie Was Carr, city service director and tree board chairperson.