The City of Wildwood will host the Arbor Day Ceremony this week to celebrate its recognition as a Tree City USA.
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Wildwood as a Tree City USA for its commitment to planting, growing and maintaining trees to benefit its community. It is the 36th consecutive year the city has been so honored.
“We take our trees very seriously,” said Wildwood Public Works Director Jeremy Hockenbury. “Every time we do a project, we consider our trees. If we can reasonably put a road around a heritage oak rather than removing it, we will.”
That care extends beyond the city’s own projects. Developers are held accountable through Wildwood’s Code of Ordinances and Land Development Regulations, which requires mitigation for trees removed. That equates to planting replacement trees or, if warranted, payment into the city’s tree fund.
“Wildwood’s city logo was designed around a tree for a reason,” said Development Services Director Melanie Strickland. “Many of us who have been here a long time still identify with Wildwood’s rural character. Although we can’t infringe upon landowners’ legal rights, we do everything we can to help preserve our majestic oaks and other species.”
Now celebrating its 50th recognition season, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Recognition requires a city to uphold four core standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
Wildwood’s Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for this Friday, April 24, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 600 Walker Rd. The tree-planting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and features the city’s official proclamation, speakers and light refreshments. The event is free and open to all.
“Tree champions like Wildwood are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, the Arbor Day Foundation’s vice president of programs.