Fairfield is the 15th community in Ohio to receive the designation.
RELATED: Trees added to Fairfield park in honor of Earth Day
“It just shows the city has a commitment to its urban forest and getting a Sterling Award just shows we’re continuing to grow,” said Jim Bell, Fairfield’s parks director. “I think we continue to educate the public on the value of trees and the value of sustainability.”
Bell said there are a number of factors that go into earning 10 straight Tree City USA growth awards, which includes investing in the urban forest and continually educating the public about the environment with new programs every year.
That’s a big reason why the city has a nine-member Environmental Commission as “they come up with the new ideas and the new trends.”
The Tree City USA program has been working to promote the urban forests in communities across the country since 1976. The program provides a framework for cities and towns to help manage and expand public trees.
More than 3,400 communities have been designated as a Tree City USA meeting four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
There are only a few hundred communities across the country that have received the Sterling Award, and according to the Arbor Day Foundation, “Sterling communities are regarded as leaders in community forestry and are often looked upon as innovators.”
Other communities in the region that have received the Sterling Award include, Cincinnati (2004), Lebanon (2006), Montgomery (2008) and Tipp City (2014).
“The recognition is that Fairfield, from the government perspective and a citizen perspective are very heavily involved in developing the urban forest,” said Dave Colteryahn, the Environmental Commission chairman.
About the Author
