As part of an ongoing effort to further develop Defense Supply Center Columbus' urban forest under the Tree City USA program, 24 larger caliper native trees were installed at the DSCC Morale, Recreation and Welfare Sports Park by Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management - Columbus personnel.

The trees were dedicated during the annual DSCC Arbor Day Celebration May 8 with a reading of the 2024 Arbor Day Proclamation by DLA Installation Management - Columbus Site Director Kristine Freels and a brief discussion on the importance of the Tree City USA program.

"Our main goal is to continue growing the urban forest by planting native trees along the walkway here [at the DSCC MWR Sports Park] as well as provide some shade around the track and also just generally beautify this space," said Nicole Goicochea, physical scientist for the DSCC Environmental Division.

The trees were selected by Goicochea and Central Ohio Regional Urban Forester Alistair Reynolds of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. Ten redbuds, eight tulip trees, two chokecherry and four serviceberry were planted earlier this spring.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees provide many benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. In addition to improving neighborhood aesthetics, trees generally increase property values, reduce cooling costs, reduce air pollution, and provide natural habitat for a variety of wildlife.