GUILDERLAND — The town has been recognized as a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its “commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community,” according to an April 14 announcement from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Arbor Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Friday of April, falls on the 24th this year.

On that day, from 1 to 4 p.m at Tawasentha Park, off of Route 146, Guilderland’s Park & Recreation Department and the Tree Preservation Committee will again distribute over 175 free tree seedlings, while supplies last. Each comes with a planting guide.

This year’s selections have been expanded and will likely include Red Oak, Flowering Dogwood, Serviceberry, Witch Hazel, Sycamore, Pussy Willow, Redbuds and Sugar Maples.

The not-for-profit Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972.

The 40-year-old Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that plant trees to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a municipality must uphold four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

“By adopting a Native Tree Preservation Law, and establishing a Tree Preservation Law Committee with the goal of creating a forestry plan with guidelines for planting appropriate trees, discouraging invasive species, and promoting the enormous benefits of trees, the town of Guilderland is very proud of this special designation and is committing to expanding the community’s appreciation of a healthy tree environment,” said Supervisor Peter Barber in a release announcing the designation.

“Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, in the release. “We’re proud Guilderland is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”

— Melissa Hale-Spencer