Mocksville was named a Tree City USA for the 22nd year by the Arbor Day Foundation and North Carolina Forest Service.

Mocksville is one of 80 cities and towns in North Carolina and one of more than 3,400 in the nation to receive this recognition.   

The Tree City USA program is a partnership between the N.C. Forest Service and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Awards are presented annually to cities and towns that demonstrate a commitment to making their communities more livable by planting and caring for trees.

Mocksville achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Mocksville make smart investments in urban forests, “ said Matt Harris, 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”

This year’s Arbor Day observance was held Thursday, April 23 at Rich Park. Assisting was Mocksville Elementary School Guidance Counselor Billie Wylde with the fourth grade leadership students, Ryan Searcy and Jonathan Kearns with the NC Forestry Division, Town Manager Christine Bralley, Mayor F.W. Slate, Kelsey Davidson with Mocksville Town Hall, and the Town of Mocksville Parks Department.