Since 2015, the Town of Brownsburg has proudly held the title of Tree City USA, a recognition awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to communities committed to urban forestry. This year marks the tenth consecutive year of Brownsburg's commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural beauty, fostering a greener environment.
The Tree City USA program is a nationwide movement providing the framework for communities to manage and expand public trees. The status of Tree City USA is determined by four key criteria: having a Parks Department responsible for the care and management of the community's trees, adopting a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day with a proclamation and public outreach.
"We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Town of Brownsburg 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 Town of Brownsburg is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."
Brownsburg is one of 3,500 communities nationwide recognized as a Tree City USA community and is one of only two communities in Hendricks County.
"Brownsburg's commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees is important to enhance our quality of life and ensure a healthier future for generations to come," said Brownsburg Town Council President Travis Tschaenn. "We are cultivating a greener, more sustainable environment that reflects our dedication to the well-being of our residents and the vitality of our town."
Trees in towns and neighborhoods 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 homeowners' energy costs.
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.
2024 By the Numbers
In 2024, Brownsburg demonstrated its ongoing commitment to urban forestry with impressive achievements:
- Planted 91 trees throughout the community to enhance public spaces.
- Sold 220 trees during the annual Fall Tree Sale, a 30% increase from 2023, helping residents contribute to the town's green canopy.
- Invested $8.74 per capita in arbor management, ensuring proper care, maintenance, and growth of public trees.
- Pruned 298 trees to maintain tree health, safety, and aesthetics.
- Watered 261 trees to ensure their continued growth and resilience.
Free Tree Giveaway
The Town of Brownsburg Parks is hosting a free tree giveaway on April 26 at 9 a.m. at Bundy Lodge in Arbuckle Acres Park to commemorate this ten-year milestone.