EMPORIUM: TRUE 'TREE CITY'

Arbor Day last week was the perfect time to recognize Emporium Borough's special milestone: 20 years' participation in the Tree City USA Program. A ceremony was held outside of the Borough Building last Friday, attended by (from left) JoAnn Smith, Phil Jones, Tim Leydig, Tina Johns Lorson, Jean Smith, Bruno Carnovale, Glen Fiebig, Don Reed, Don Caton and John Sidelinger.

Arbor Day has special significance in Emporium, which was recognizing the importance and beauty of trees long before such a thing was trendy.

This year, the borough's Shade Tree Commission and partnering organizations marked the 20th year that Emporium has been officially recognized as a "Tree City."

That's no easy feat.

The commission, which was formed in 1950, was charged with managing foliage growth while preserving a natural appearance and allowing for such necessities as utility lines, roads and sidewalks, driveways and other passageways.

Tree City USA will only recognize communities that have met all of its criteria. Communities must:

• have a shade tree commission or department responsible for tree planting and maintenance;

• have an ordinance regulating the planting and care of trees on public property;

• spend at least $2.00 per capita on its tree program;

• hold a formal observance of Arbor Day.

Shade Tree Commission Chair Jean Smith said borough workers have always been cooperative in assisting the commission in its mission to care for some 750 trees that line the sidewalks. This can involve pruning, mulching, watering and leaf removal.

Another major contributor is the Emporium Foundation, which gives financial support to purchase trees, soil, tools, as well as stump removal and membership in the Arbor Day Foundation.

Emporium has more than a dozen times qualified for the Tree City USA Growth Award, for encouraging or increasing tree growth and maintenance, as well as educating the public about the value of trees.

John Sidelinger from the Pa. Bureau of Forestry has been helpful over the years on tree selection and maintenance. The bureau offers help to anyone with questions about tree care or planting at (717) 787- 2703.