Mansfield, OH: Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry is pleased to announce the City of Mansfield has been named a Tree City USA for 30 years in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit our community.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization to plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Mansfield are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We are proud that Mansfield is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating a positive impact through trees.”
In cities and neighborhoods, trees have proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, lower homeowners’ energy costs, and increase economic growth in downtown areas for local businesses.
To earn a Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day Celebration.
It is thanks to the members of the City of Mansfield Shade Tree Commission who volunteer their time, as well as other departments and community partners. They are all key to our 30 years of success.
Special activities and educational opportunities to commemorate the City of Mansfield 30-year designation as a Tree City USA will be occurring throughout 2025 including additional tree plantings, an educational session with Malabar Intermediate School students, additions to our Walking Arboretum along the B & O Bike Trail and a public meeting to be held on October 2, 2025.
Mayor Perry stated, “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of being a Tree City USA once again. I encourage all to get involved.”
Mayor Perry invites you to join the City of Mansfield in celebrating 30 years of being a Tree City USA by planting trees. For more information, call Kim Hildreth, Project Planner, at (419) 755-9702 or email at: khildreth@ci.mansfield.oh.us.