Florence, South Carolina – The City of Florence was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management, marking its 44th consecutive year of receiving the award. Florence also earned its 17th Tree City USA Growth Award this year, highlighting its continued environmental progress and excellence in tree care.
Florence achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The awards were handed out on May 2nd, 2024, by the Arbor Day Foundation to the City of Florence Parks and Beautification Commission at their office on 513 Barnes Street, Florence, S.C. 29501.
“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand;” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Florence are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
The Tree City USA initiative is a collaboration between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, aiming to promote sustainable urban forestry across the nation.
Read also: Carly Tilton receives Florence Arts Alliance 2024 Betty Ann Darby Scholarship
