The Arbor Day Foundation has once again named the City of Wheeling a Tree City USA in recognition of its ongoing commitment to planting, growing and maintaining trees for the benefit of the community. This marks the third time Wheeling has received the designation.

“Being named a Tree City USA for the third time is a tremendous honor for the City of Wheeling,” said Mayor Denny Magruder. “Trees play an important role in the health and quality of life of a community by improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, providing relief from heat, lowering energy costs and creating a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. This recognition would not be possible without the commitment and hard work of our Tree Board, and we thank them for their continued dedication to Wheeling’s future.”

Members of the City’s Tree Board also expressed pride in the designation.

“The Wheeling Tree Board is extremely thankful for the support of the City and the efforts of our many volunteers as we work to improve the health of our urban forest canopy,” said Tree Board Chair Karen Cox. “Residents who would like to learn more about trees and how to properly care for them are encouraged to reach out to us at treeboard@wheelingwv.gov.”

Tree City USA is a national program that provides a framework for community forestry management across the United States. To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must meet four core standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and observe Arbor Day. This year’s Arbor Day Celebration will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 10 at Edgwood Park.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Forest Service. To learn more about Tree City USA and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, visit arborday.org/programs.