Trending...
- Springfield: Register for the 2023 Stop the Violence Conference - 290
- Radarsign Tackles Intersection Safety with Launch of Grid-Free Solar LED Stop Sign
- LIB and Nidec Rejoin Forces for Giant TH-0098 Temperature Humidity Test Chamber
~ 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.
More on Missouriar
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 earned 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.
More on Missouriar
"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 urban forest," said Aaron Scott, chair of Springfield's Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee. "We are grateful to the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, City Utilities, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Community Forestry Council, and the many dedicated volunteers and partners who continue to champion trees in our city. We also thank the Springfield Cardinals for their continued support in hosting this celebration."
The event at Hammons Field was a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its urban forest and educating its community about the importance of trees. With 40 years as a designated Tree City USA and 15 consecutive years earning the Growth Award, Springfield continues to set an example for other cities across the nation.
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.
More on Missouriar
- Join Springfield Police for Annual Coffee with A Cop
- Springfield: SPD Honors Four Officers Retiring After 25 Years of Service
- Springfield: Coffee with Police Chief Paul Williams
- Springfield Police Department Celebrates Promotions
- Springfield Police Warn of Scam Calls
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 earned 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.
More on Missouriar
- Springfield Police Recruits Set to Graduate Saturday
- Springfield: You're Invited to Family-Friendly National Night Out
- Springfield: SPD requesting assistance locating vehicle related to July 18 fatality crash
- Springfield: You're Invited to Coffee with Police Chief Paul Williams
- Springfield: SPD Honors and Welcomes Lateral Academy Graduate
"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 urban forest," said Aaron Scott, chair of Springfield's Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee. "We are grateful to the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, City Utilities, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Community Forestry Council, and the many dedicated volunteers and partners who continue to champion trees in our city. We also thank the Springfield Cardinals for their continued support in hosting this celebration."
The event at Hammons Field was a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its urban forest and educating its community about the importance of trees. With 40 years as a designated Tree City USA and 15 consecutive years earning the Growth Award, Springfield continues to set an example for other cities across the nation.
0 Comments
Latest on Missouriar
- Springfield: Victim of Bicycle Crash Dies in Hospital
- Springfield: SPD to Conduct Cinco de Mayo Saturation Patrol
- Springfield: SPD Releases Quarterly Report Emphasizing Importance of Open Data
- Springfield: Charges Are Filed After SPD Makes Property Crime Bust
- Springfield: SPD Investigates W. Elfindale Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
- Springfield: Join Police Chief Paul Williams for Coffee with the Chief
- Springfield Police Investigate W. Division Officer-Involved Shooting
- Springfield: Accounting firm completes audits of police operations, financial month-end closing process
- Springfield Police Release Name of Deceased Suspect
- Springfield Police Investigate In-Custody Death
- Springfield Police Department Releases 2018 Annual Report
- Springfield: SPD Investigates Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
- Springfield: SPD to host Neighborhood Watch training sessions in April
- Springfield Police Captain is Awarded Big of the Year
- Springfield: Coffee with the Chief Changes Locations
- Springfield: Blood Drive Honoring Officer Aaron Pearson is Friday
- Springfield: North Johnston Shooting Victim Dies in Hospital
- Springfield Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting Involving U.S. Deputy Marshal
- Columbia: Overnight pavement maintenance scheduled for downtown and campus streets starting July 17
- KCON LA 2025, 106.3 RAIN FM 'Take Over' Special Event