The Village of Mineola was named a Tree City USA for the 30th year by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Proper care and maintenance of trees is essential to maintaining the look and feel of the village, Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss said in a village news release.
“An effective community tree preservation program is an ongoing process that distinguishes us from urban areas and helps to retain our small-town feel and protect the values of our homes,” Strauss said.
The Tree City USA program has been “greening up” cities and towns across the country since 1976, according to the foundation.
To achieve the status, a community must reach the foundation’s core standards of sound urban forestry management.
The standards are maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
More than 3,400 communities have made a commitment to becoming a Tree City USA, according to the foundation.
Other villages in the area that have achieved the distinction include Flower Hill, Floral Park, New Hyde Park and Great Neck Estates.
Mineola achieved the recognition by meeting the program’s standards and demonstrating progress in its community trees program, according to the release.
The village also recognizes that cleaner air, improved storm water management and increased property values are benefits of being a Tree City USA community, according to the release.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride.”
