Elkins Named Tree City for Twelfth Consecutive Year

Marilyn Cuonzo, chair of the Elkins Tree Board and a member of Elkins Common Council, prepares to launch the Tree City commemorative flag with Elkins Mayor Van Broughton.

Elkins Tree Board to Observe Arbor Day with Davis Street Park Planting

Elkins W. Va., April 23, 2020: Elkins, West Virginia was named a 2020 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. The Elkins Tree Board (ETB), which recently received two grants from the W. Va. Division of Forestry and is active in creating and maintaining greenspaces throughout the city, will observe Arbor Day with a tree planting at Davis Street Park.

Elkins achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting 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. This is the twelfth consecutive year Elkins has received this recognition.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Elkins make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, 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.”

Due to social-distancing requirements, this year’s Arbor Day celebration in Elkins will simply consist of Elkins Parks and Recreation personnel planting four trees at the Davis Street Park with the financial support of the Emma Scott Garden Club. The ETB hopes to have a small celebration later this summer at the park.

“We are extremely grateful for the Emma Scott Garden Club’s support,” said ETB chair Marilynn Cuonzo. “Because of their generous contribution, we are able to double the number the trees planted at this small park. It will not only help provide some much-needed shade, but also transform the greenspace into a place of beauty.”

In addition to Cuonzo, the ETB consists of Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Linda Silva, Sam Golston, Linda Burke, and Velora Winn.

“Trees are valuable community assets when properly planted and maintained,” said Marilyn Cuonzo, a member of Elkins Common Council and the tree board. “Trees help 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.”

More information is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA and the Elkins Friends of Trees Facebook page.