ENID, OK - The City of Enid was recognized by Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Oklahoma Community Forestry Council at the annual Arbor Week Kickoff Celebration for achieving national certification from the Arbor Day Foundation. The City of Enid was among 38 communities, campuses, and utility companies that were honored for accomplishing specific criteria related to planting and caring for trees, woodlands, and community forests in their communities and on campuses. The event was held at Oklahoma City University on March 12. Oklahoma observes Arbor Week during the last full week of March each year.
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“We are excited to celebrate these organizations that work so hard to improve the quality of life for residents of their communities and campuses,” said Oklahoma Forestry Services Community Forester Mark Bays. “We would like to encourage other groups to consider taking the challenge.”
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Communities can earn Tree City USA status by meeting core standards of sound community forestry management; maintaining a tree board; having a community tree ordinance and spending at minimum of two dollars per capita on community forestry activities and celebrating Arbor Week.
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The City of Enid has achieved Tree City USA certification for 11 years.
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The City of Enid’s Tree Board hosts an annual Arbor Day Celebration that includes tree plantings at local parks, schools and other public areas.
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“The tree board members plan an annual event and invite classrooms to assist with those plantings to encourage a love for trees and to provide an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on environmentally rewarding educational experience," said Stephanie Moffitt, Enid Tree Board Liaison. “We allow the children to name each tree planted so that they have a sense of ownership and pride. Our goal isn’t to train them to memorize facts, it’s our desire to teach them about the benefits of trees. We hope that every time they pass by that tree, they have fond memories of that experience.”
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For more information about obtaining Arbor Day Foundation certification, contact Mark Bays, Oklahoma Forestry Services, at 405-522-6150 or visit the Arbor Day Foundation website at https://www.arborday.org/.
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City of Enid recognized by Arbor Day Foundation
