Independence Celebrates 25 Years as a Tree City USA Community

For the 25th consecutive year, the City of Independence has been named a 2024 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of Independence's commitment to planting, nurturing and preserving trees throughout the community.

The Tree City USA program, established by the global nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes municipalities that understand an increase in healthy trees will improve the quality of life for their community.

"Trees are more than just part of our landscape — they are a vital part of our city’s health and future,” said Mayor Rory Rowland. "Being named a Tree City USA once again shows our long-standing commitment to building a greener, more livable Independence for generations to come."

Independence achieved the Tree City USA distinction by meeting the program's four requirements: maintain a tree board or department, have a tree ordinance, dedicate an annual community forestry budget of $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Urban forestry is an investment in the well-being of our City, its people, and future," said Morris Heide, Director of Parks and Recreation. "Trees are more than decoration in our parks and our neighborhoods. They are vital and our parks staff are dedicated to showing that through their work in planting, growing and maintaining our trees." 

Across public property, parkways, and city parks, the Independence Parks and Recreation Department cares for thousands of trees. The City's Tree Commission, composed of local volunteers, plays a key role in advising on policy and guiding long-term tree planning efforts.

"Our Commission is proud to support Independence's vision to increase and maintain the tree canopy," said Charlotte Olejko, Park Horticulturalist and City liaison to the Tree Commission, "With every tree we plant or preserve, Independence will be a little cleaner, a little cooler, more resilient and more inviting."

In neighborhoods across the world, increasing the urban tree canopy is proven to mitigate pollution, reduce stormwater runoff, lessen the heat island effect, and boost the health of the community.

The Arbor Day Foundation's Vice President of Programs, Michelle Saulnier, commended the City: 

"We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Independence are leading the way. Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Independence is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating a positive impact through trees."

For more information about the Tree City USA program and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.