Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko joined several city officials April 30 to celebrate the 18th year of the city’s “Tree City USA” status by participating in Arbor Day tree plantings. With the help of Polk Elementary School Principal Mark Brenton, kindergarten through fifth-grade students, and several teachers, a tree was planted on the school grounds to commemorate the day.
HEIGHTS – The city has once again been recognized as a “Tree City USA Community” for its commitment to supporting urban forestry.
It marks the 18th year the city has been given this recognition from the Lincoln, Neb.-based Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
“We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting the growth and protection of trees in our community, and appreciate the Arbor Day Foundation’s recognition of our commitment” Mayor Dan Paletko said. “Trees not only play an important role environmentally throughout our region, but they are also a major part of the aesthetic attractiveness of our neighborhoods. A community with tree-lined streets is something that just can’t be matched.”
Paletko made the comments as he assisted in the planting of new trees at Polk Elementary School and the city’s Little Red Schoolhouse April 30 in recognition of National Arbor Day. The tree planting has become an Arbor Day tradition in the city.
“We commend Dearborn Heights’ elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive officer and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”