The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Sweet Home is marking a major milestone this year with the national Tree City USA program of the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Tree City USA program began 46 years ago in 1976. To qualify, a community must:

-- Maintain a tree board or department;

-- Have a tree ordinance;

-- Spend at least $2 per person on its urban forest; and

-- Celebrate Arbor Day.

Sixty-nine Oregon towns and cities are qualified as a Tree City USA, including the return of Reedsport to the program. Sweet Home celebrating its 35th year of achieving Tree City USA status. Lebanon has reached 20 years.

Several other cities are...