City of Pooler Achieves the Arbor Day Foundation “Tree City USA” Designation

The City of Pooler, Georgia has been named a 2023 Tree City USA 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.

“We’re so pleased to have our City of Pooler redesignated and to be recognized for our environmental commitment,” said Mayor Rebecca C. Benton.

Pooler achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree-care ordinance, a tree department, 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 Pooler make smart investments in urban forests,” said Dan Lambe, 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.”

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

In celebration of Georgia State Arbor Day and the City’s redesignation, Pooler will be holding a drive-through tree giveaway. The 2023 Partner with Pooler to Plant a Tree for Free event will be Saturday, March 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pooler Recreation Center located at 200 Preston Stokes Drive. More than 300 trees will be available for Pooler residents on a first-come, first-served basis (one per household). We thank our Mayor and Council for generously supporting this event through the City’s Tree Fund.

More information on the Tree City USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.