By: Ryan Duey
Clay Center is honored to be one of only four cities in Kansas to have been recognized as a “Tree City USA” community every year since its inception 48 years ago. Established by the National Arbor Day Foundation and National Forest Service in 1976, the “Tree City USA” program recognizes and supports cities that create places to play, room to breathe, and beauty on every block.
Clay Center’s Tree Board is composed of eight members including Park Supervisor Patrick Hayes. The Board meets on an as-needed basis throughout the year. Hayes said to qualify as a “Tree City USA” community the city must meet four standards each year.
- Have a Tree Board or Department.
- Have a Community Tree Ordinance.
- Have a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least two dollars per capita.
- Have an Arbor Day Observation and Proclamation.
To meet these standards, Hayes said all city departments track and record all tree maintenance and activities including pruning, planting, watering, and removal of dead or damaged trees. He then compiles the years’ worth of information from all departments into a report that is submitted to the application program. These tasks must be done yearly to maintain certification. Along with submitting the report, the city celebrates Arbor Day each year with the planting of a tree or trees in the community, which is usually celebrated on the last Friday in April, said Hayes.
Submitted applications are then reviewed by the Arbor Day Foundation and National Forest Service to determine if the city has met the four required standards for the year. Cities that qualify are then recognized at a banquet and celebration where they are presented with a plaque, flag, and signage to post recognizing them as a “Tree City USA” community.
Hayes said he recently completed the application to be reconsidered for recognition for 2024. He said as long as all requirements are met they will be recognized for the 49th year in a row.
