The Arbor Day Foundation has named Cullman a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit its community. Cullman also received the Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement.

“By recognizing the role of trees as critical infrastructure, Cullman is helping shape a healthier and more resilient future. We’re proud Cullman is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities committed to creating positive impact through trees,” Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, said in a press release.

The Tree City USA Dedication/Arbor Day Celebration event will be Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. in front of Cullman City Hall (or inside cty hall in the event of inclement weather).

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 is a global nonprofit. Its mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

According the organization, 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 more than 50 years.

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. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborda,y,org.

Want to plant a tree? The Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee will host its annual tree sale Saturday, Feb. 8. All native species will be for sale.