7 Community Events The Arbor Day Foundation named the Town of Devon a 2024 Tree City World in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. The Arbor Day Foundation is a United States-based global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The international Tree Cities of the World programme recognizes cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area. “Across borders, trees bring people together. No matter what country we live in or what language we speak, we can all benefit from the positive power of trees,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re proud Devon is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s global network of tree champions planting towards a better future.” In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff and flooding, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners. To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, a city must uphold five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees; enact a law or policy that governs the management of trees and forests; maintain an updated assessment of local tree resources; allocate resources for a tree management plan; and hold an annual celebration of trees to educate local residents. The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Cities of the World program is operated in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org. Share Print