The Arbor Day Foundation has again awarded West Windsor its Tree City USA designation, a title the township has now held for 32 consecutive years.
West Windsor joins only six other New Jersey municipalities with a similar record. In order to meet the requirements for the program, the township must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. To meet the requirements, West Windsor has a Shade Tree Commission, a tree-care ordinance, the forestry program, and an Arbor Day celebration that includes community involvement.
West Windsor’s Arbor Day celebrations are held in the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum at the corner of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown roads, across from High School South. The West Windsor Shade Tree Commission also sponsors an annual art contest celebrating nature that is open to students in West Windsor-Plainsboro schools.
The 2011 Arbor Day celebration included remarks from the WW-P Superintendent Victoria Kniewel, a color guard, a poetry reading by local Girl and Boy Scouts, a choral presentation by high school students, and a ceremonial tree planting. In addition, West Windsor was also the recipient of a pine tree germinated from seeds that traveled in space on the Shuttle. The Township planted the Space Shuttle Pine at the arboretum. Members of the Shade Tree Commission were also available to answer questions on tree planting and maintenance as well as provide a tour of the arboretum and neighboring trails.
“The Shade Tree Commission has been an incredible asset to the Township and helps to ensure that West Windsor remains a green and sustainable community,” said Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh. “The Tree City USA program continues to encourage and guide municipalities like West Windsor to pursue the creation and care of increased treed areas providing for the health and enjoyment of all.”
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.
