SpringfieldNewsSun.com

ST. PARIS, Ohio — At least two Champaign County communities have been recognized for their contributions to the environment.

Urbana recently was named a Tree City USA Community, an honor it has received each year since 2002. But St. Paris is receiving the award for the first time this year.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Doug Crabill, co-chair of the shade tree commission in Urbana, said this is the first time two Champaign County communities have received the honor in the same year.

Officials at the Johnny Appleseed Museum and the Johnny Appleseed Montessori School added their own contribution Friday, April 25, planting an apple tree near the Historic Bailey Hall at Urbana University.

Along with civic pride, Crabill said the honor means the shade commission also has a plan to decide which trees are planted in the city and where. They also try to educate area students about the importance of trees.

In St. Paris, the project started about two years ago when volunteers reviewed dead and dying trees in town. Eventually they started planting as well, said Lyn Miller, a member of St. Paris' tree commission.

Volunteers were able to work with officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation to plant several trees along U.S. 36 leading into the city, he said. In the past couple of years, Miller said the commission and volunteers have planted about 150 trees.

The effort to promote trees in the community is being carried out throughout Ohio. According to information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Ohio had more Tree City USA cities than any other state, with 249 municipalities recognized.

Elmo Layman, another member of Urbana's shade commission, said another benefit the commission provides is advice to residents who want to plant trees. Commission members can offer advice on where and what type of tree to plant.

"Our primary mission has been to let people know what tree to plant and where to plant it and how to take care of it," he said.

In the past couple of years, Layman said about 200 trees were planted around the city, including those in a new section of a local cemetery. While most of Urbana's trees were once maple, Layman said commission members have planted everything from honey locust and oak trees to Kentucky coffee trees.

Commission members also have tried to review existing trees and to replace those rotting or dying.

In all, the efforts should lead to a more scenic city, Crabill said.

"We're kind of making a dent tree by tree," Crabill said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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