The Arbor Day Foundation has announced the City of Moorpark as both a Tree City USA and as a Growth Award recipient for 2021, to honor Moorpark’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 now earned a Tree City USA designation for 16 consecutive years and a Growth Award for 12 consecutive years.  “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,” noted Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin.

The City maintains over 13,000 trees across the community for residents and visitors to enjoy.  Additionally, the City hosted its annual Moorpark Arbor Day and Earth Festival on May 7 at Arroyo Vista Community Park, including eco-friendly vendors, gardening resources, and a free tree giveaway where 100 residents picked up free California-native Coast Live Oak trees.  “While we especially recognize the significance of our urban forest every year on Arbor Day, I truly want to thank the many individuals who work hard to keep our trees healthy each and every day,” added Parvin.