Hahira, GA was named a 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This will be the 28th year that the city has received this honor and to celebrate, the City of Hahira will be hosting the 2019 Arbor Day at Hahira Elementary School on Friday, March 1st at 9:30 am. In addition, the City partnered with the Georgia Forestry Commission to provide 150 free tree seedlings to community recently.

Hahira achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

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.