– On March 22, 2023, Laramie was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The City of Laramie has been named a Tree City for the 25^th year and counting. By meeting the Arbor Day Foundation’s requirements to qualify as a Tree City, Laramie was formally recognized for valuing the importance of trees and taking steps to create a greener future. The requirements to be met for qualifying as a Tree City are maintaining a tree board/department, having a dedicated tree care ordinance and budget, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972, 100 years after the first Arbor Day in 1872. It’s estimated that over 1 million trees were planted on the first Arbor Day, and that since the Arbor Day Foundation’s beginning in 1972, nearly 500 million additional trees have been planted through them. Trees are not only a vital resource that help to clean the air, but they help to clean water resources and support the personal health and well-being of people. Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 28 this year. If you have questions related to this announcement please feel free to contact Scott Hunter, Parks Manager at (307) 721-5257 or shunter@cityoflaramie.org.