OGDENSBURG -- The Arbor Day Foundation has announced that the City of Ogdensburg has been named a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.

Ogdensburg has received the honor for 20 straight years from the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to the planting and nurturing of trees.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Ogdensburg make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

In order for Ogdensburg to become a Tree City USA community, the city had to meet four standards: have a tree board, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita ,and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Ogdensburg Tree Commission is planning an Arbor Day celebration with the planting of a tree at Hamilton Street Park on April 26 at 9:30 a.m.

City Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo said that everyone in the community is invited to attend.