Neptune Beach named a Tree City

Neptune Beach was named a 2019 Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Neptune Beach achieved Tree City USA® recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
"The trees being planted and cared for by Neptune Beach are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."
Neptune Beach continues to make strides toward increasing its tree canopy. This past fall, Caitlin Baiata, Chris Chin and Sheila Stroud, members of the NB Beautification Committee, identified possible places for more hardwood trees to be planted in the city right-of-way.
Another member, Dr. Aaron Evens, raised private donations from several neighborhood residents to buy and plant 28 palm trees and four crepe myrtles along First Street in December. Councilor Josh Messinger, chair of the Land Use & Parks Committee, is working to ensure many new hardwood trees will be planted in Jarboe Park.