The City of Doral has clinched the Tree City USA title for the 18th year in a row, reinforcing its commitment to a green and growth-oriented urban environment. The Arbor Day Foundation, the organization behind the recognition, honors towns and cities that embody the spirit of ecological stewardship and the push for sustainable urban life. Doral's consistent efforts in urban forestry have placed it in the spotlight, with programs that emphasize the importance and care of trees within metropolitan areas, as per the city's website.
Having met the foundation's stringent criteria for nearly two decades, Doral has demonstrated an impressive dedication to maintaining a tree board, enforcing a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in urban forestry, and hosting an annual Arbor Day celebration. Despite the myriad challenges cities face, Doral has prioritized these leafy assets as a pillar of their infrastructure, understanding the myriad benefits they herald—from cooling urban heat islands to filtering air, managing stormwater, and offering a salve for the mind and body.
"For 18 consecutive years, this recognition reflects the care we put into our community and the pride we take in maintaining a city that is green, welcoming, and built for families," Doral Mayor Christi Fraga said, highlighting the emblematic importance of the accolade. According to cityofdoral.com, Fraga acknowledges the intrinsic value trees add to neighborhoods, parks, and overall quality of life, and reaffirms the commitment to nurturing the city's green infrastructure as Doral continues to evolve.
Trees play an important role in cities by reducing noise, lowering energy use, increasing property values, and improving quality of life for residents. The Tree City USA program, led by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service, highlights how urban growth and environmental stewardship can work together, with more information available on the foundation’s website.
