The planting, along with an official proclamation from Mayor Sam Teresi, will earn Jamestown national recognition as a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 37th consecutive year.

The City of Jamestown has also received its eighth consecutive Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award honors environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.

Officials on hand said there are several benefits to having trees in a community:

• Trees promote healthier communities because leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
• Trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Trees in urban areas reduce the heat island effect caused by pavement and buildings.
• Properly placed trees can increase property values, and buildings in wooded areas rent more quickly and tenants stay longer.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.