Tree City, Tree Campus, and Tree Line are programs coordinated by The National Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and DEC's Urban and Community Forestry program. These programs provide direction, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 93 million Americans call home.
The standards required for each certification program will help a community, school, or utility get started with annual planning and management of its tree resources. Participants build relationships with DEC urban forestry program staff and the NYS Urban Forestry Council, which will help support a fledgling urban forestry program. Other benefits of the ADF recognition programs include:
- Improved public image for a community, school, or utility company
- Shared sense of pride in the efforts of a community
- Access to funding sources through Arbor Day Foundation
- Enhancing your application for DEC Urban and Community Forestry grants
Better tree care means even more benefits from trees-cleaner water, cleaner air, reduced electricity costs in the summer, and health benefits.
ADF over sees multiple programs including Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher-Ed, Tree Campus Higher-Ed, Tree Line, Tree Campus K-12 and Tree Campus Healthcare. The most recent additions, Tree Campus K-12 and Tree Campus Healthcare, are programs for schools and medical facilities that encourage the management of trees for public health and education. The DEC Urban and Community Forestry Program works primarily with Tree City USA and Tree Campus Higher-Ed. While DEC urban forester and staff can and will assist with Tree Line, Tree Campus K-12, and Tree Healthcare programs, the applications are reviewed by ADF staff. To learn more about Tree Line, Tree Campus K-12, and Tree Campus Healthcare please visit our Get Involved webpage.
