WHO:            Members of the St. Charles Beautification Commission will host the city’s annual Arbor Day event.  The city has also been recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.  This is the sixth year St. Charles has earned this national designation.

WHAT:          As a part of the ceremony, the city will also dedicate the new Three Flags Pocket Park in the heart of historic downtown St. Charles.

WHERE         Main Street in St. Charles – intersection of Main and Madison St. (across from the First State Capitol Building).
& WHEN:      Monday, June 21 – 4 p.m. 
      
ALSO:           The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.  St. Charles has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community, by having:
  . a tree board or department
  . a tree-care ordinance
  . a comprehensive community forestry program
  . an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Communities earning the Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet these standards, but also are well aware that trees:
  . promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
  . moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
  . reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.
  . increase property values and reduce energy use, adding beauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.