28th Time's the Charm: Chester Named Tree City USA

Just in time for Earth Day, Chester Borough was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its committment to effective urban forest management.

"I'm quite proud of this, the council should be quite proud of this and the town should be quite proud of this," said Mayor Bob Davis. "I appreciate the efforts that went into it."

2012 marks the 28th time Chester Borough has been designated a Tree City USA.

Chester achieved Tree City USA status by adhereing to 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.

Davis said that "we're going to have Arbor Day celebration soon, but I'm not sure when. I have not seen any announcements on it yet."

Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation John Rosenow said that everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Chester make smart investments in urban forests.

"Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits," Rosenow said in a statement.

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.