Moorpark noted for sustaining urban trees


PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE— Once again, the City of Moorpark is a Tree City USA.

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE— Once again, the City of Moorpark is a Tree City USA.

The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the City of Moorpark as both a Tree City USA and as a Growth Award recipient for 2021, to honor the city’s commitment to urban forest management.

“Tree City USA communities can experience the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Moorpark are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”

Additionally, Moorpark has earned a Growth Award in recognition for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.

The Growth Award recognizes major milestones and annual activities in five categories on a point-based system to build sustainable community forestry programs: building a team, measuring trees and forests, planning the work, performing the work, and building the community framework.

Moorpark has earned a Tree City USA designation for 16 consecutive years and a Growth Award for 12 consecutive years.

The city maintains over 13,000 trees across town.

The city held its annual Moorpark Arbor Day and Earth Festival on May 7 at Arroyo Vista Community Park.

The event included ecofriendly vendors, gardening resources, and a giveaway of 100 free California-native Coast Live Oak trees to residents.

“Moorpark’s urban forest reduces energy consumption for adjacent buildings, reduces water consumption for nearby turf, and offers us a cool retreat in the shade during the summer heat,” said Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin.