The City of Albemarle celebrated its 13th year of being named a Tree City USA city during its annual Arbor Day Ceremony.

The Tree City USA program is a nationwide movement that provides the framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees.

The City of Albemarle has committed to expanding its tree canopy as a participant in the Tree City USA program. Since becoming a Tree City USA city, Albemarle has added more than 400 trees to its downtown area, city parks and other city facilities.
During the ceremony downtown on Nov. 17, a proclamation from City Council was read celebrating Arbor Day and its beneficial impact on communities.

Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated in the spring; however, the City of Albemarle holds its celebration in the fall as weather conditions are better locally for tree planting.

In attendance at the ceremony were elected officials, city staff, a representative of the North Carolina Forestry Service and members of the Albemarle Tree Commission, which is comprised of city staff and members of the community who volunteer their time to the preservation, promotion and education of the value of a healthy and beautiful tree environment in Albemarle.

Members of the public can add to the city’s tree canopy by participating in the Memory Tree program, which is operated by Albemarle Parks and Recreation and the Albemarle Tree Commission. A memory tree is an opportunity to honor or memorialize a person or celebrate a special occasion by placing a newly-planted tree in a City of Albemarle park. A plaque will be placed at the base of the tree that indicates for whom or why the tree is placed.

The cost for placement of a memory tree is $250. This includes a 4-foot to 6-foot tree, planting, water, fertilization and care until the tree is established and a plaque listing the name of the person being memorialized or honored.

Members of the public can learn more about the program by visiting www.albemarlenc.gov/memorytree.