Town repeats Tree City honor

BY ELANA ARON
Correspondent

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - A tree grows in Freehold Township.

Well actually, many trees, which is one of the reasons why the township has been designated a Tree City, USA municipality for the 25th consecutive year.

Municipal officials said Freehold Township holds the longest record in Monmouth County as a Tree City, USA designee.

In order to receive the national recognition, a municipality must have a Shade Tree Commission, board or department; a tree ordinance; a comprehensive community forestry program; and an Arbor Day observation.

George Klinger, chairman of the Shade Tree Commission, has helped Freehold Township maintain its Tree City, USA designation for 24 years and is proud of the recognition.

"We have 7,300 acres of permanent open space and an active Shade Tree Commission," Klinger said. "The commission celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees at all eight Freehold Township grade schools."

In addition to serving as a shade tree commissioner, Klinger is recognized as one of the founders of a township arboretum, as well as spearheading the establishment of a living memorial in honor of the heroes of 9/11. In addition, Klinger is a member of the National Arborist Association Safety Committee and has received the "Green Communities Achievement" award.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary Tree City, USA designation, a tree planting ceremony was held at the municipal building on April 28.

The Freehold Township Shade Tree Commission was established in 1963. Seven members serve on the panel. According to the township's Internet Web site, the mission of the Shade Tree Commission is to beautify Freehold Township by planting trees, caring for existing trees and promoting the importance of this valuable living natural resource. Joseph A. Aufiero is the township's shade tree supervisor.

The Tree City, USA program began in 1976.