The City of Citrus Heights received the 2014 “Growing Greenprint” award from the Sacramento Tree Foundation this month, in recognition of the City’s “noteworthy contributions” toward building a better urban forest.
“We are honored to receive the Growing Greenprint Award,” said Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Sue Frost, who accepted the award on behalf of the City. “We appreciate Sacramento Tree Foundation who has played an important role in helping our city achieve our greenhouse gas reduction goals.”
Contributing factors that led to the award include the City’s establishing of urban forest policies, developing community partnerships, working to create an Urban Forest Management Plan and the City’s planting of approximately 150 new trees in 2013.
Emphasizing the benefit of trees in the city, the vice mayor explained the role of trees in promoting clean air, protecting against harmful UV rays and helping to filter and retain water.
The City’s General Plan also cites the benefit of shade trees in reducing building energy use – a fact which SMUD has recognized as well, offering free shade trees to residents through a partnership with the tree foundation.
This year, the City is continuing its green efforts through a Green Parking Lot Demonstration and Monitoring Project which includes the planting of 65 native trees.
“We all know ‘Trees are a blessing,’ and we look forward to continuing our efforts to replenish our wonderful tree canopy,” said Frost.
For more information about the award, or to participate in the free Shade Tree program, readers can visit http://www.SacTree.com/.
