Special to the Opelika Observer

The City of Opelika was recently named a “2018 Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Opelika achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the foundation’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“It is a great honor for Opelika to be once again recognized as a Tree City USA. For 2019, we are working with a certified arborist to access and inventory all trees on city property in Opelika. We look forward to many more years of a successful tree program,” said Keep Opelika Beautiful Executive Director Tipi Miller.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

About the Arbor Day Foundation:

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA