NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
25 April 2003

HARRISBURG NAMED TREE CITY USA FOR SIXTEENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR; NEW TREE PLANTINGS MARK CITY ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCES

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Assistant State Forester Michael Lester of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today helped mark the city’s designation for the 16th consecutive year as a Tree City USA by planting sixteen new trees in Reservoir Park. The planting effort was part of the city’s National Arbor Day commemoration.

Reed said Reservoir Park was selected as the site of today’s annual program because of the significant amount of refurbishment and new construction occurring there. In early 2001, the city opened the National Civil War Museum at the Park’s apex, has recently concluded work on two new water reservoirs, and earlier in the week announced the new Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts Series to be held at the newly-restored historic bandshell.

Marking the city’s sixteenth consecutive year of receiving the prestigious Tree City USA award, Mayor Reed and Mr. Lester were joined by officials from the Harrisburg Young Professionals, who provided most of the funding for the 16 new trees, which include 8 October Morning Glories, and 8 Crimson King Maples. The plantings, in conjunction with those planted during last year’s Arbor Day program, will produce a dramatic canopy effect over the roadway as they mature.

In presenting the prestigious Tree City USA award and flag to the city, Mr. Lester noted that in order to receive the honor, a city must meet multiple national standards and be formally nominated by the State Forester’s Office. Considered the highest national honor for conservation and environmental practices, Harris- burg’s sixteenth annual award leads all tri-county communities in consecutive recognitions.

The Mayor noted that the city has invested more than $68 million in its parks, playgrounds and open spaces as part of the long-term Mayor’s Parks Improvement Program, with much more to come. In conjunction with the Harrisburg Parks Partnership, Harrisburg Young Professionals, Mortimer Levitt Foundation and other similar groups, funding is raised or provided for ongoing parks improvements, such as the recently announced Vernon Street Playground rehab and the upcoming Braxton Playground restoration projects.

In addition to the city’s extensive investment in its parks and playgrounds, the Mayor noted that many other tree plantings and open space improvements have also occurred in connection with the many residential, commercial and industrial development projects undertaken in the city.

Reed noted that the city also maintains the largest trained shade tree maintenance staff in the region within the city Department of Parks and Recreation, and the city has an actively-enforced shade tree ordinance that helps to protect, promote and preserve trees.

“Trees cool our streets and buildings, reduce airborne pollution, conserve energy, give off oxygen, beautify open space and give wildlife a home. Their presence enhances and increases property value and beauty,” Reed said. “Lasting for generations, they are literally a connection to our past, and they are a part of the legacy which we shall leave for future residents and visitors.”

The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s National Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

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