The city takes great pride in being the first Illinois community to receive the Tree City USA designation in 1976, the program’s inaugural year. This year the National Arbor Day Foundation celebrates 50 years. Urbana is an important part of that history.
Caring for our trees is a top priority; that is why Urbana has earned the Tree City USA distinction every year. Of the 41 original charter members, Urbana is one of only 16 cities nationwide to retain its status.
To earn the annual designation, Urbana must meet strict urban forestry management dictated by the program’s overseers — the National Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. Standards include maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.