#MiddletownRI again has been recognized as a Tree City USA community by The Arbor Day Foundation, a nod to the community's commitment to planting, growing and maintaining trees.
MIDDLETOWN RECOGNIZED AS A 2024 TREE CITY USA COMMUNITY
MIDDLETOWN, RI (MAY 8, 2025) – The Arbor Day Foundation named Middletown a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 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 Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years.
"We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Middletown are leading the way," said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Middletown is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, 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.
“We’re very proud of the designation of Middletown as a 2024 Tree City USA community from the Arbor Day Foundation,” Middletown Tree Commission Chair Karen Day said. “On the Tree Commission, we work very hard to make Middletown as tree friendly as possible, not only because they look beautiful, but they bring so many benefits. Thanks to the Arbor Day Foundation for its hard work here and across the country and for bringing attention to this important issue.”
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
For more than 50 years, The Arbor Day Foundation has answered critical needs 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. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.
For more about the Tree Commission's ongoing efforts to improve the look and feel of Middletown, visit https://mdl.town/Tree-Commission online.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-TreeCity
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contacts
— Jasmine Putney
Arbor Day Foundation
402-216-9307
jputney@arborday.org
— Matt Sheley
Town Of Middletown
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov