Ford is giving $25k to Marshall for tree planting to achieve Tree City USA recognition

MARSHALL, Mich. The Marshall Area Economic Development Association, or MAEDA, welcomes Ford Motor Co.’s $25,000 donation. for the city of Marshall to plant trees.

The funds will help the city of Marshall once again achieve “Tree City USA” status, which is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to cities that meet a four-step criteria:

1. Maintain a tree board or department
2. Have a community tree order
3. Spending at least $2 per person on urban forests
4. Celebrating Arbor Day

The donation comes ahead of Earth Day on April 22, and Arbor Day on April 26.

“This investment from Ford will bring new trees to Marshall, benefiting the city and those who visit our beautiful community for generations to come,” said Marshall mayor Jim Schwartz.

“We are excited to make this long-term investment in this city and take the next steps toward Tree City USA recognition.”

The donation helps the city achieve its goal of replacing and adding new trees along streets and parks, providing shade, natural beauty, fresh air and higher property values, according to city officials.

While Ford is building the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall, 245 acres on the southern edge of the site are set aside for conservation, protected from future industrial development.