Oxford was among 19 Georgia cities recognized Feb. 14 for its commitment to caring for and managing its public trees. Oxford was honored during the 2017 State Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta for being one of Georgia's "Tree City USA" communities.

Tree City USA provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America that meet certain requirements, including 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 135 Tree City USAs inGeorgia. Nationwide, more than 3,400Tree CityUSAcommunities serve as home to more than 135 million Americans.

The event also recognized Tree Campus USA colleges and Tree Line USA utilities. Due toGeorgia's ideal winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is designated annually as Arbor Day inGeorgia. Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation naming February 17 as Arbor Day in Georgia for 2017.

The City of Oxford worked with Oxford College to bury underground utility lines through the arboretum and helped secure funding to purchase a new park, which helped it meet the standards necessary to be a Tree City USA for the 2016 year.

"Trees clean our air, filter our water, spur economic growth and provide countless opportunities to enjoy recreation, contributing to a better quality of life," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The citizens of Oxford 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 CityUSAand the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.