Jul 31, 2017 By Katie Drozynski Staff Writer Writer@thealmanac.Net 2 min read

From tree-lined streets to lush parks, trees are a part of Mt. Lebanon and the community takes pride in its greenery.

A proposal from the Parks Advisory Board would bring attention to those trees with an official arboretum distinction from ArbNet, an organization that accredits arboretums nationwide.

During the township’s July 24 meeting, the Mt. Lebanon commissioners approved a motion that would allow the Parks Advisory Board to apply for the distinction at no cost to the municipality. Ron Block and Elaine Kramer of the Parks Advisory Board thanked the commissioners for their support.

“We think this is a great fit for our community to highlight the value of trees in our community, their historic value and the way they contribute to our natural world, to the urban environment and, of course, to the community character,” Kramer said.

If Mt. Lebanon should win the accreditation, it would be the fifth township in the country to do so. Kramer and Block hope the distinction will bring more awareness to the variety of trees Mt. Lebanon is home to. Many of the common species in the area, like maple and oak, are facing disease, and Block and Kramer would like to use the arboretum accreditation as a chance to educate residents and nurseries on the other types of trees that would thrive in their neighborhood.

“There’s a big educational component to it as well,” Block said.

In order to become an arboretum through ArbNet, Mt. Lebanon must have a collection of identified trees available for the public to enjoy, public education programs in place, a tree maintenance plan and an arboretum plan. Block said that much of what they need is already in place and that the rest is underway.

“We looked at the requirements and I think we have enough to qualify,” he said.

Block and Kramer said the Parks Advisory Board would begin the application process as soon as possible.

The Mt. Lebanon commissioners also approved the execution of grant agreements with the state Department of Transportation during the meeting. The municipality has been awarded grants to help improve the intersection of Bower Hill and Kelso roads, the intersection of Castle Shannon Boulevard and Anawanda Avenue, the intersection of Cedar Boulevard and Morgan Drive, as well as 30 signaled intersections in the community.

Mt. Lebanon will need to match the grant contributions, totaling $925,801.