When we moved into our new house, there was a piddly little tree that was planted in the parkway. That was it!

Today, we have a Crimson King Maple, an Ash and a flowering Cherry in the front yard. In the back we have a 40 foot fir tree; 3 red Japanese Maples; a peach tree grown from a pit. several Maples, and an old crab tree. What a difference these trees make! Now we have shade in summer and a retreat for birds in winter.

So, I was excited to read the following:

Woodridge has been named a Tree City USA community by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. 

It is the 16^th year that Woodridge has received this national recognition.  Woodridge has met the four (4) standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observation. 

"Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives," said John Rosenow, President of the National Arbor Day Foundation.  He also explained that, "the Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest.

Is your community a Tree City?