The Tree City USA program, administered by the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska, provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America that meet certain requirements. Those requirements include the establishment of a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations. There are 138 Tree Cities in Georgia. Nationwide, more than 3,400 Tree City USA communities serve as home to more than 135 million Americans.

Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe traveled to Georgia for the event, which also recognized Tree Campus USA colleges and Tree Line USA utilities. Due to Georgia's ideal winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is designated annually as Arbor Day in Georgia. Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation naming February 20 as Arbor Day in Georgia for 2015.

The City of Macon planted trees at Rutland High School in celebration of Arbor Day which help them meet the standards necessary to be a Tree City USA for the 2014 year.

"Trees clean our air, filter our water, and keep us healthy by providing shade, along with countless opportunities to enjoy recreation and natural beauty," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The citizens of Macon can take pride in their community leaders' commitment to trees and forested land - on Arbor Day and every other day of the year."

For more information about Georgia's trees and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org. For information about becoming a Tree City USA and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.