Victoria Canchola pats soil down around a tree she just planted. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
Salem received an award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 15th time for showing higher levels of tree care and community engagement with their urban forestry programs, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry, which distributes the award.
Salem was the first city in Oregon to receive the Tree City USA distinction, but La Grande has received the growth award the most times – 29.
Cities can receive the award by revamping a tree ordinance, conducting a tree inventory, holding a tree fair and improving social equity outreach.
“Even though in 2020 the pandemic was very disruptive, forcing the cancellation of many in-person events, many Oregon cities and towns were still able to get a lot done in terms of improving tree care. And cities became very creative in engaging with the public while keeping social distance,” said Kristin Ramstad, Oregon Department of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Assistance program manager, in a statement.
-Saphara Harrell
