The City of Gulf Breeze has been named a Tree City USA for the 30th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Gulf Breeze achieved Tree City USA by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers, and committed citizens in communities like Gulf Breeze make a smart investment in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
City of Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Director Ron Pulley reiterated this philosophy with a quote from former Mayor Lane Gilchrist: “Ron, every time you see a hole in the ground, put a tree in it!”
