(4/20) For the sixth consecutive year, the Town of Thurmont has been recognized as a Tree City USA. Dakota Durcho, Wester Region Forester with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, recently presented this recognition to Mayor John Kinnaird, Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick, and members of the Thurmont Green Team during the town’s annual Greenfest.
To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet criteria including, a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least two dollars per capita, and an Arbor Day observation and proclamation.
The Thurmont Green Team has continually surpassed achievements since its establishment in 2015.
In addition to achieving the Tree City USA accreditation, Thurmont was once again awarded the prestigious Growth Award for the second consecutive year. The Growth Award recognizes major milestones and annual activities in five categories that combine to build sustainable community forestry programs over the long term. Thurmont is one of only nine communities in Maryland to receive the Growth Award.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
In addition to being named a Tree City USA, Thurmont has also received numerous environmental stewardship recognition including the PLANT Award (People Loving And Nurturing Trees).
Despite limitations during the pandemic, not only has Thurmont’s Green Team continued their dedication to sustainable planting efforts, but they also included safety protocols, social distancing and mask wearing while planting the parks trees.
On April 16, the Thurmont Green Team hosted the town’s annual Green Fest, a "Waste Free Event" dedicated to the promotion of conserving water through fun and educational activities and information for the whole family.
Green Fest strives to provide information about electronic recycling and native pollinators to ensure a sustainable Gateway to the Mountains.
"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education."
"On behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation, we want to congratulate you for your hard work to continuously improve your community’s urban forestry program in 2021…In times where community trees are more important than ever to combat climate change and make our cities more livable, your work will not go unnoticed," The Arbor Day Foundation stated in a letter addressed to the town.
"I am very pleased that we have achieved this level of tree care here in Thurmont. Our staff and volunteers have done a great job planting trees, maintaining them, and working hard to ensure that our trees remain healthy for future generations." Mayor John Kinnaird said.
