Celebrating 31 Years as a Tree City! – Mocksville to Hold Arbor Day Celebration on April 19th

The Town of Mocksville, a proud member of the Tree City USA program for 31 years, is gearing up to celebrate Arbor Day 2024 on Friday, April 19th. You are invited to join them at 10 a.m. at Rich Park Shelter 5, 352 Park Drive, Mocksville, where they will be planting a tree to mark this achievement.

During the celebration, Mayor Will Marklin will read the Arbor Day proclamation, a powerful reminder of the town’s commitment to tree planting and preservation. Ranger James Bentley from the North Carolina Forest Service will present the prestigious Tree City USA 2023 Award, recognizing the town’s dedication to community forestry management. 

Arbor Day—which translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin of the word arbor— celebrates tree planting, upkeep, and preservation. For centuries, communities spanning the globe have found various ways to honor nature and the environment.

Tree City USA is a national program that provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. Communities achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management each year: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day. 

Maintaining the Town’s eligibility for the program takes time and dedication. “The Town of Mocksville appreciates the dedication and service of our Tree Board Members: Susan Hawkins, Carl Lambert, Judy Rosser, and Alex Thompson,” said Town Manager Ken Gamble. “Trees and community have never been more important.” 

Much work goes into receiving the Tree City USA designation and award. To learn more about Tree City USA, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/tcusa_programs.htm.

For more information about the Arbor Day celebration, contact Emily Quance at (336) 753-6707 or  equance@mocksvillenc.gov.