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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero |
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House adopts resolution recognizing Newtown borough as a 'Tree City'
HARRISBURG, April 22 – The state House this week adopted a resolution authored by state Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, recognizing Newtown borough for its 25 years of commitment to the environment and its status as a "Tree City."
Santarsiero said the borough is one of 102 certified Tree City USA communities in the state, and he urged other municipalities to participate in the Tree City and TreeVitalize programs.
"Trees are an important part of this Commonwealth's landscape and history, providing a wealth of benefits to residents and visitors," Santarsiero said. "Newtown borough has remained committed over the years to restoring and planting trees to not only beautify the area for residents, but to promote environmentally sound practices."
He said Newtown borough and Township teamed up today for its annual Arbor Day celebration. Goodnoe Elementary School’s first- and fifth-graders as well as local preschool children participated in the event, which included educational games, storytelling, crafts, music and tree planting.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership in Pennsylvania that helps to restore tree cover, educates residents about planting trees as an act of caring for the environment, and builds capacity among local governments to understand, protect and restore urban trees.
Santarsiero's main constituent service office is located at 2 N. State St. in Newtown. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the phone number is 215-968-3975. Additionally, staff is available in the Lower Makefield Township Building, located at 1100 Edgewood Road. Office hours there are noon to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.
The 31st Legislative District includes Newtown Township., Newtown borough, Lower Makefield Township, Yardley borough and part of Upper Makefield Township.