DAPHNE, Ala. — The Jubilee City was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. It is the 23rd year Daphne has earned this national recognition.

Daphne also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program in the following activity areas:

• Youth Education
• New Project or Organization
• Local Awards Program

The USA Growth Award honors environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Daphne has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and a Growth Award make a strong commitment to planting and caring for trees, and we applaud their efforts,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We also commend a community’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing needed care for its trees. They recognize that trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits for the community every day.”