Michigan communities, college campuses and utilities interested in being designated as a Tree City, Tree Campus or Tree Line USA should submit an application to or contact the Department of Natural Resources by Jan. 16.
These annual programs are sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered by forestry agencies in each state. To be certified under one of these programs, applicants must meet certain criteria established by the foundation.
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Tree City USA award program. This program began in 1976 as a bicentennial project to promote tree planting in urban areas and call attention to the economic, health and aesthetic benefits trees provide. Michigan has seen a steady increase in the number of communities, utilities and, most recently, college campuses being certified. Last year, 123 communities, two utilities and four campuses achieved their respective designations. Michigan currently ranks ninth among all states in total number of communities certified, ranging in size from the village of Richland to the city of Detroit.
Apply for Tree City USA online or via paper application (attached).
Send completed applications to: DNR, Forest Resources Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909. For questions about these programs or the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898 or sayersk@mi.gov.
