Medina News

Arbor Day Foundation Selects City of Medina for Two Awards

Medina, Ohio: The City of Medina is pleased to announce that the city has again been named as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.  The award began in 1981 and the city has been a proud recipient for all 42 years. The designation honors the city for its commitment to effective urban forest management. Medina achieved this recognition by meeting the programs four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of a least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. 

“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Medina are ensuring that generations-to-come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

In addition to the Tree City USA Award, Medina is also being honored with its seventh consecutive Tree City USA Growth Award. A Growth Award is bestowed to a community alongside their Tree City USA recognition for demonstrating environment improvement and a higher level of tree care. The award recognizes major milestones and annual activities in five categories - building a team, measuring trees and forests, planning the work, performing the work, and building the community framework.

“Over the past few years, the value and importance of trees has become increasingly clear. Cities across the globe are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Medina has taken steps to create a brighter, greener future.” Lambe stated.  “Trees are a vital part of every community.  They help reduce energy consumption, cool temperatures, clean the air and water, raise property values , and provide a habitat for wildlife.”

Locally, Medina’s Forestry Department is advised by the nine-member Shade Tree Commission, that includes five community members, one city council representative, the Mayor, the Parks and Recreation Director, and the City Arborist. Each year, the Shade Tree Commission, in cooperation with the staff, develops an Annual Work Plan that includes pruning, planting, and removal of dead and diseased trees.  
The Medina Forestry Department cares for 13,500 street trees in the right-of-ways.  In 2023, 575 seedlings were potted and distributed to Medina City Schools’ third graders with the help of the Medina Kiwanis.  Over 100 seedlings were planted at Kuehn-Todd Park by volunteers from Ohio Edison.  The city  planted 183 large trees, 45 of which were purchased with an Urban Canopy Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division.  Arbor Day will be celebrated this year on Friday April 26.