Town of Norfolk Designated as Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation

NORFOLK — Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis and Director of Public Works/Tree Warden Blair J. Crane are pleased to share that the Town of Norfolk was named a Tree City USA by the global nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation.

Norfolk earned the designation as a result of achieving Tree City USA standards for 2024, maintaining a tree board or department, upholding a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

The program has recognized cities and towns across the country that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability in the community for more than 40 years. The Arbor Day Foundation, along with its network of supporters, have helped plant more than 500 million trees across the U.S. and more than 60 other countries since 1972.

“To be named a Tree City USA is to be part of something bigger,” wrote Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a letter congratulating Norfolk on the designation. “In an era where cities and towns are facing increasing challenges related to air quality, public health, and climate resilience, nurturing urban forests has never been more important. By prioritizing tree stewardship, you’ve not only helped enhance Norfolk’s beauty and livability, but you’ve also invested in a healthier, more sustainable future for your residents.”

The designation of Norfolk as a Tree City USA comes on the heels of Blair Crane, the town’s Tree Warden and Director of Public Works, being named as the 24th annual Seth H. Swift Tree Warden of the Year by the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association (MTWFA). Crane was presented the Silver Tree Award by MTWFA President Ed Olsen during the association’s 112th annual meeting and conference on Jan. 7.

Crane and Town Administrator Casanova-Davis both thanked the Arbor Day Foundation for the designation and pledged to continue preserving the natural environment in Norfolk.

“To be recognized as a Tree City USA community is a testament to Norfolk’s dedication to environmental stewardship,” Crane said. “We’re proud to earn this distinction and to promote the value of our trees, celebrating our efforts to preserve our natural environment. Thank you to the Arbor Day Foundation for this recognition.”

“Trees are a vital part of Norfolk’s landscape, providing beauty, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity,” said Casanova-Davis. “We appreciate the Arbor Day Foundation’s efforts to bring attention to the cause of planting and maintaining trees in the United States and across the world. This recognition as a Tree City USA highlights the Select Board’s and our community’s ongoing dedication to maintaining and growing a precious natural resource, our trees.”

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