Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed April 24 as Arbor Day in Carrboro, according to an announcement made on April 15. The town will mark the occasion with a public planting of a native Black Tupelo tree at Wilson Park, located at 110 Williams Street.
The event highlights Carrboro’s ongoing commitment to urban forestry and environmental resilience. This year’s celebration is notable as the town observes more than forty years of recognition as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Chief Sustainability Officer Amy Armbruster said, “By nurturing our urban forest, we are nurturing our community. We view our trees as essential infrastructure that protects our most vulnerable neighborhoods from rising temperatures while ensuring Carrboro remains a resilient, climate-ready leader.”
Preserving and expanding the urban forest is identified as a priority in both the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan. These plans emphasize data-driven approaches to tree planting in historically underserved areas to address heat islands and promote equitable access to nature’s health benefits.
To maintain its Tree City USA status, Carrboro must meet four standards: maintaining a dedicated tree board or department; enforcing a community tree ordinance; investing at least $2 per capita in urban forestry; and hosting an annual Arbor Day celebration.
Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, said, “We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Carrboro are leading the way.”
Residents are invited to join town staff for the planting ceremony on April 24 (time to be announced) at Wilson Park. The Black Tupelo tree was chosen for its fall beauty and value as wildlife habitat. More information about this year’s proclamation can be found online.
