Verona Township was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

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.

Verona achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s requirements: 1.) a tree board or department, 2.) a tree-care ordinance, 3.) an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and 4.) an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Verona make smart investments in urban forests. Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.” 

---Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 

The implementation of these requirements would not have been possible without the diligent efforts from Verona’s Shade Tree Commission, ensuring the proper maintenance of public trees, shrubs and landscapes in Verona with support from the Township Council and Administration. The Shade Tree Commission is seeking new members to join their team, learn more about this commission at VeronaNJ.org/ShadeTree.

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Celebrate Arbor Day with the Shade Tree Commission Saturday, April 27th at 11am by planting two future legacy trees near the Liberty Field parking lot. Visit VeronaNJ.org/Events for more information.

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ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

More information on this program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.