PURCELLVILLE, Va. March 29, 2022 — In honor of its commitment to community forestry and the environment, the Town of Purcellville has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the 14th year that the Town has received this national recognition. The Town also received its 13th Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating continued environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
“I am proud of our Community and Staff for being recognized by this award,” stated Town Council member Tip Stinnette. “Our 32nd President perhaps said it best: ‘A Nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.’
It is through the continued support of the Town Council that Purcellville is able to remain committed to sustain a culture of tree and environmental preservation. Additionally, the Tree City Growth Award was obtained through the dedication and amazing work of the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee (TESC), Town staff, and many volunteers.
Joel Grewe, Purcellville Town Council member and council liaison for TESC noted, “The Town of Purcellville is proud of the care our citizens show to keeping Purcellville a great environment to live and work in. Our Town staff and volunteers on our Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee have done great work evidenced by the Town receiving our 14th annual Tree City USA Recognition."
Molly O’Liddy, Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator, Virginia Department of Forestry, thanked the Town of Purcellville “for setting a wonderful example of urban forest management for communities across the Commonwealth.”
“Tree City USA communities can experience the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year,” said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Purcellville are ensuring generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of approximately 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award for Environmental Sustainability and in years past, the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for innovation and green initiatives. The Town most recently received the Tree City USA Award for the 14th consecutive year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and was ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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