~ Springfield, MO - The City of Springfield is proud to announce its 40th anniversary as a designated Tree City USA. This recognition was first earned in 1985 for the city's commitment to effective urban forest management. To celebrate this milestone and honor Arbor Day, the city and its community partners planned a special event at Hammons Field during the Springfield Cardinals game on June 18. Originally scheduled for April 29, the event was rescheduled due to storms.

More than 1,000 students from local summer programs attended the event, which kicked off with an interactive on-field educational program supported by funding from the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Cost Share Grant. The morning featured a presentation on the history of Arbor Day by MDC and a video showcasing the benefits of trees and the growth journey of an apple tree. As part of the celebration, arborists from Springfield Public Works planted a tree in the Batter's Eye area beyond the outfield and demonstrated proper mulching and watering techniques.

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The First Pitch Ceremony included a mayoral proclamation and recognitions from MDC for Springfield's Tree City USA and Line Clearance Tree Trimming (Line City USA) achievements. The highlight of the ceremony was a special appearance by The Lorax, who delivered the ceremonial first pitch to kick off the game.

Throughout the game, attendees had the opportunity to meet The Lorax and explore informational booths hosted by local organizations such as NeighborWoods, Tree City USA, Missouri Department of Conservation, City Utilities, and Springfield Environmental Services.

The Tree City USA program is a national initiative by the Arbor Day Foundation that provides communities with a framework to grow and manage their public tree resources. In 2025, Springfield celebrates four decades of this designation. Additionally, Springfield has received the Tree City USA Growth Award for 15 consecutive years - an honor given to communities that go above and beyond in meeting four core standards set by the program. This year's award was earned through staff members achieving International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) credentials, completion of a partial inventory of the city's tree population, and submission of a detailed Annual Work Plan.

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Aaron Scott, chair of Springfield's Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee, expressed his gratitude for the city's continued commitment to its urban forest. "Maintaining our Tree City USA designation for 40 years - and earning a Growth Award - is proof that the City of Springfield values and invests in our trees," he said. "We are grateful to the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, City Utilities, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Community Forestry Council, and all the dedicated volunteers and partners who continue to champion trees in our city. We also thank the Springfield Cardinals for their ongoing support in hosting this celebration."

As the city looks back on 40 years as a designated Tree City USA, it is clear that Springfield remains dedicated to preserving and enhancing its urban forest for generations to come. With continued support from community partners and volunteers, the city will continue to thrive as a leader in effective urban forest management.

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