Arbor Day Foundation recognizes El Paso as a Tree City
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized El Paso asa 2014 Tree City USA.
“The Tree City USA designation underscores El Paso’s commitment to responsibly integrating trees into our neighborhoods, streets, and civic spaces,” said Fred Lopez who oversees the City of El Paso’s Capital Improvement Program. “El Pasoans are making unprecedented investments in public infrastructure and we are diligently working to ensure those investments also supplement the inventory of urban trees in El Paso.”
Where new trees are going in El Paso:
More than 300 trees have recently been added to Downtown El Paso through projects including the reconstruction of San Jacinto Plaza, upgrades to Santa Fe Street, and the construction of the Pedestrian Pathway.
The reconstruction of Montwood Drive in East El Paso added 120 trees to neighborhoods.
The reconstruction of Country Club Road in the Upper Valley is adding 460 trees.
The Vocational Pond project added nearly 200 trees in and around a once-empty retention pond near Riverside High School.
Trees included in the projects are native and low-water-use trees including:
Texas Ash
Texas Red Oak
Honey Mesquite
Palo Verde Hybrid
Texas Red Bud
“By responsibly sourcing the trees we choose, we are building an urban tree canopy that cools and shades our neighborhoods while minimizing water consumption,” Lopez said. “As part of our commitment to improving the visual image of the City of El Paso, we will continue integrating these trees in future quality of life and street infrastructure programs around the city.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
