Capital Trees Program Salutes County's Notable Trees

7/22/2005

"I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree." With acknowledgments to Joyce Kilmer, Wake County's Capital Trees Program (CTP) is again showcasing the loveliest trees in all of Wake County and is making its biennial awards to the trees' owners at board meetings in cities, towns and the county through the middle of August.

The CTP recognizes the largest, scarcest, oldest and prettiest trees in the County, while educating the public about their social, environmental and community benefits. The program is also living proof that increased local government support for tree preservation is paying off as ordinances safeguard some of the County's most important trees.

"The Capital Trees Program has gained added importance and credibility since seven Wake County municipalities have changed their ordinances to protect these trees and the environmental benefits that they provide," said Wake County Commissioners' Chair Joe Bryan. Apex, Cary, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Morrisville and Raleigh have all approved some level of legislative authority to regulate tree cutting since 2000, several of these citing the CTP, which "grew" out of a 1992 request from a Raleigh citizen.

More than 40 trees were nominated for awards from throughout Wake County for this year's CTP awards, 35 of which have been selected for an award. More than 160 trees have received recognition in the past four biennial award cycles. Winners are added to the Capital Trees Honor Roll and the County's Geographic Information System, to document and assess the environmental value and economic benefits of trees.

Beyond the recognition of outstanding trees, Capital Trees educates people that trees make life more pleasant, benefit the environment and beautify our surroundings. Activities that complement the program include tree care, pruning and planting – volunteers have planted more than 12,000 trees through the program. Upcoming CTP award presentations are scheduled for meetings of the Wake County Board of Commissioners August 15 at 2 p.m. and Wake Forest Town Council August 16 at 7 p.m.

For more information on the CTP, including photographs of winners and how to nominate a tree for a Capital Trees award, please click here.

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