GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — For the 40th year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation has honored the City of Grand Junction as a 2022 Tree City USA.

The award honors the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.

Arbor Day Foundation also awarded the city with a Tree City USA Growth award for demonstrating outstanding tree care and improving the environment.

Trees improve air quality, help conserve water, and cool extreme temperatures.

The city also plans to hand out two free tree seedlings to residents beginning Wednesday, April 19. You can request the seeds online or get them at the Arbor Day celebration on April 22 at Lincoln Park.