FARMINGTON — The town of Farmington has been recognized by The National Arbor Day Foundation and National Association of State Foresters for 30 years of being a Tree City USA.

On Monday, a sign proclaiming Farmington's environment-friendly distinction was erected at the entrance to the downtown area on U.S. Route 2 and High Street.
Other communities in Maine that have reached the 30-year mark are Kennebunkport and Westport.

Farmington had consistently met all Tree City requirements, to have: a Conservation Commission, or tree board; a tree care ordinance giving the commission the responsibility for implementing a community forestry plan; an annual budget of at least $2 per person; and observe Arbor Day annually with an event such as a tree planting, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Every year the Farmington Conservation Commission annually plants trees along sidewalks in residential areas, was responsible for getting a grant to plant trees on Broadway and Main Street, and planted and maintains the traffic island garden in West Farmington, according to Town Manager Richard Davis.

— Betty Jespersen, Staff Writer