The City of Moscow has been named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of the municipality’s commitment to effective urban forest management. Having received this distinction every year since 1993, the City was additionally recognized with the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2023 Growth Award for having “demonstrated higher levels of tree care and community engagement throughout the calendar year.” 

The City of Moscow 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 2024 Arbor Day celebration and planting ceremony was held on Friday, April 26th, 2024, at Ghormley Park near West Park Elementary School. The Moscow Tree Commission, Mayor Art Bettge, City staff, community members, and teachers and students from the West Park Elementary kindergarten classes joined in planting three gingko and three crabapple trees in the park.

“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 Moscow 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.”

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with currently more than one million members, supporters, and partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. The foundation’s vision is “to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.” More information is available at arborday.org.

Story Contact: David Schott, Parks and Facilities Manager
Phone: (208) 883-7098
Email:dschott@ci.moscow.id.us