FITCHBURG, Wis. (WKOW) — The City of Fitchburg earned the Tree City USA designation for the 29th consecutive year.

The recognition highlights the city’s commitment to maintaining and growing a healthy urban tree canopy for residents. Fitchburg also earned the Tree City of the World designation for the third consecutive year, meeting five international standards that include maintaining a tree inventory, dedicating an annual budget for tree care and continuing community engagement through events like Arbor Day.

The city received a Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing communities that go above and beyond in improving their urban forestry programs. 

Fitchburg will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with two community tree planting events. On Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers will plant approximately 25 trees and shrubs at Chicory Meadows Park as part of an Alliant Energy Million Trees Grant project.

A second event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at Western Hills Park, where volunteers will plant 10 trees in partnership with the Urban Tree Alliance, funded through an Inflation Reduction Act grant. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to bring water and gloves.