“Town of Chesapeake Beach Celebrates Arbor Day”
April 28, 2023 (Chesapeake Beach, MD) - In celebration of Arbor Day 2023, the Town of Chesapeake Beach is excited to announce the Town's recent efforts in coordination with the Chesapeake Beach Green Team to achieve the standards necessary to apply to the national Arbor Day organization for designation as a Tree City USA.
“Trees help to slow and filter stormwater before it reaches the Chesapeake Bay. Native trees help hold the soil and prevent erosion, flooding and support wildlife such as songbirds. A tree placed in the right location can shade your home, while providing beauty and enjoyment for future generations. The Green Team is thrilled to work with the Town to support homeowners in planting more native trees”, stated Melanie Crowder Chesapeake Beach Green Team member.
Working towards a Tree City USA designation several efforts have been underway. In May, the Town Council will review an Urban Forest Ordinance that further protects trees in Town and establishes a Tree Board. The Town has made efforts to inventory the Town’s tree canopy facilitated through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Chesapeake Beach Green team volunteers. In addition, the Town’s Green team has added additional trees to the Towns canopy by already planting Redbud trees at the entrance to Bayfront Park and is planning additional tree plantings throughout town in the fall.
The many benefits that trees bring to our environment are endless, some of the benefits include:
- Cooler temperatures
- Cleaner Air
- Higher Property Values
- Healthier Residents
What is the Tree City USA program and why is it important to the Town? The Tree City USA program provides communities with a framework to grow and maintain their tree cover, add beauty to their towns, as well as demonstrate their commitment to an improved environment.
The Tree City program began in 1976 with a vision for a greener and healthier America. 42 communities in 16 states participated at the start and now over 3,600 communities in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico are participating in this exciting program. The following facts about trees have been provided by the Arbor Day organization.
- Neighborhoods with trees are 7-9 degrees cooler and are protected from cold winds over neighborhoods without trees thereby reducing energy costs.
- Homes with trees have higher property values than those without.
- Green spaces have been proven to improve the mental and physical health of town residents.
- Well-designed planting of trees near water areas can have a big impact on storm water management preventing flooding and erosion.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide mitigating effects of climate change.
- Trees absorb up to 40% of traffic noise.
The Town is eagerly looking forward to attaining the Tree City USA designation and hopes that you will join us in protecting the trees in our Town and adding to the Town’s canopy with native trees. Check here for a list of Native trees suggested for Calvert County. Happy Arbor Day! #arborday #treecity
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