Rehoboth Beach commemorative trees make gifts that grow

This holiday season, the City of Rehoboth Beach offers everyone the opportunity to give the gift of trees.

Rehoboth’s commemorative tree fund program purchases trees for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration or special event. To honor donations, a tree sculpture was commissioned in the City Hall atrium. Each contributor to the tree fund is acknowledged with a custom-engraved leaf, with three different colors to signify the donation level.

Last year, more than $24,000 was donated and 50 trees were planted on public property with the support of generous donors. For the upcoming year, the committee hopes to plant even more trees and is asking for continued community support. Donations will make a special holiday gift and ensure that generations will enjoy the community’s trees for years to come.

The program is a partnership between the City of Rehoboth Beach and its Trees and Green Infrastructure Committee, formerly the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Trees. The committee’s name change was prompted by a necessity to focus on green infrastructure and trees. Green infrastructure refers to stormwater management practices that protect, restore or mimic the natural water cycle.

Now, trees are recognized as an essential part of the city’s green infrastructure, which helps boost the economy, enhance community health and safety, and provide recreation, wildlife habitat and many other benefits.

Rehoboth Beach has long been recognized as a Tree City USA. “Trees reduce and slow stormwater by intercepting precipitation in their leaves and branches, and soaking up stormwater through their roots. Green infrastructure is a natural solution for the drainage, heat, air, and water-quality problems we face in the years ahead,” said Commissioner Susan Gay, committee chair.

Trees planted on city property will not have individual markers at the planting site. All of the permanently engraved leaves will be in City Hall. Contributions are tax-deductible.

For more information, go to cityofrehoboth.com/residents/trees/commemorative-tree-program or contact the communications department at 302-227-6181, Ext. 522 or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.