The City of Martinsville was named a TREE CITY, USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation and the award was presented to the City of Martinsville on April 28, 2007.  The award was presented by Virginia Urban Forestry Coordinator, Mr. Paul Revell to Mayor Kimble Reynolds, Jr.

The award is designed to provide initial direction for an urban or community forestry program.  A tree city will begin the process by starting with education.  A group or organization such as Gateway will discuss standards and will work closely with the Virginia forestry staff.  The Virginia Urban Forester, Mr. Paul Revell, has aided Gateway by suggesting technical advice and other educational assistance. 

The City of Martinsville’s public image will be enhanced by becoming a Tree City USA because most modern citizens will want to live and do business in a community that cares about its environment.  It also shows prospective businesses that the quality of life is important to the City of Martinsville.

Another less tangible benefit is the felling of pride that comes with the award.  It means a great deal to the tree workers, managers, volunteers and tree board members who work on behalf of better care of our community trees. It can translate to better care on private property and it promotes volunteerism.

Grant makers will often allocate and award grant funds to organizations that have achieved the Tree City status because it shows a commitment to natural resource preservation.  The City of Martinsville has partnered with Gateway Streetscape Foundation to promote and care for its urban trees and that contributes to Gateway’s grant making abilities.

Having tree related celebrations such as our Annual Arbor Day Uptown, provides publicity for the City of Martinsville, the Virginia Department of Forestry, Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association and Gateway Streetscape Foundation.  It is great publicity for all the organizations and is educational as well.  This year’s program included local elected officials, Mayor Kimble Reynolds, Jr., Councilman Mrs. Kathy Lawson and Councilman Mr. Ron Ferrill.  The State of Virginia was represented by State Senator Roscoe Reynolds and the State Urban Forestry Coordinator, Mr. Paul Revell.  The guest speaker was our U.S. Congressman, Virgil Goode, Jr.

The celebration also included the reading of the Arbor Day Poetry contest winning poems which were read by the poets.  Ms. Kaylee Nicole Crawford won with The Growing Green Giants.  She attends Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School.  Mr. Stephen Thomas Brockway won with To Destroy A Tree.  He attends Magna Vista High School.

The City of Martinsville received a Tree City USA flag, signs, and a commemorative plaque to be proudly displayed.  Thanks to all the dedicated people in the City of Martinsville that recognize the value of trees and the effect that they can have on a community.