Greenport Named Tree City, USA

If it's springtime, the trees are blooming in the Village of Greenport.

And now, for the ninth year in a row, Greenport has been named a 2012 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to urban forest management.

"We are proud to once again be recognized as a Tree City, USA," Greenport Village Mayor Dave Nyce said. "Thanks goes to the tireless work of our volunteer tree committee and also to our village staff and crews for their care of our trees."

The village earned the national designation by meeting the program's four requirements: having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Greenport has a tree committee, which regularly inspects the trees throughout the village and encourages residents to care for the trees.

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

"Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers, and committed citizens in communities like Greenport make smart investments in urban forests," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits."

Greenport recognizes Arbor Day each year with a number of events. The tree Ccmmittee works with the Greenport High School seniors on its annual tree planting and sponsors Arbor Day events in the elementary school. 

Former Greenport Village Trustee George Hubbard Sr. will long be remembered for his commitment to the trees in the village; after his death, his son, Village Trustee George Hubbard, Jr., has carried on in his footsteps.