The duties of the Shade Tree & Beautification Commission shall be to study the problems and determine the needs of Tiffin in connection with a tree planting and beautification program, to encourage participation of garden clubs, conservation groups, civic groups, service clubs, environmental organizations and all other similar organizations in the beautification of Tiffin.
The Shade Tree & Beautification Commission works with other City commissions such as the Park and Recreation Board in creating long-range plans for development of new parks and parkways, beautifying existing rivers and tributaries, and planting the beautification and development of Tiffin in general. Among its duties, the Commission oversees certain projects to maintain the City of Tiffin's status in the Tree City USA program and organizes volunteers for the maintenance of the planters in Downtown Tiffin and landscaping of the parks and parking lots in Tiffin.
The Tiffin Shade Tree Commission has recently received an Ohio Division of Forestry Grant. Read full story here.
The Shade Tree & Beautification Commission meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Tiffin City Hall, 51 E. Market St. Meeting times and location are subject to change.
If you are interested in volunteering with the flower planters or watering the hanging baskets in Downtown Tiffin, please contact Tiffin City Hall at (419) 448-5401 or email [email protected].
Tree City USA
As of 2024, the title of Tree City USA has been bestowed upon Tiffin for its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve quality of life through a comprehensive tree management program for 43 years. The program is guided by the Tree Commission and the municipal government.
The Ohio DNR, Division of Forestry's Urban Forestry Assistance Program acts as a guiding hand in helping a community to become qualified as a Tree City USA. The Regional Urban Forester recommends a community to the Arbor Day Foundation for this standing. To achieve the title and the honors, a community must meet four standards:
- A Tree Ordinance
- An active Tree Commission or forestry department
- A comprehensive urban forestry program supported by a minimum of two dollars per capita
- An annual Arbor Day proclamation and public observance.
Ohio boasts the greatest number of Tree Cities in the country. In Northwest Ohio, 52 communities are Tree Cities and two universities are honored as Tree Campus USAs (Ohio Northern University and the University of Findlay).
Growth Award
In 2023, The City’s Shade Tree Commission and Arborist crew completed the requirements needed to achieve The Arbor Day Foundation's Growth Award. Through actions like extra training for its members, publishing articles, and applying for grant funds, Tiffin now finds itself among only 15% of other Tree City communities who earn this award each year. The Commission and it's arborists have earned the Growth Award a total of six times.
Hope is a Tree, by Dr. Ken Baker
"Hope is a Tree" is a series of articles written by Dr. Ken Baker, retired professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Heidelberg University and member of the Tiffin Shade Tree Commission.
Hope is a Tree, Part Two: Wait for the First Hard Frost
Hope is a Tree, Park Three: The Urban Forest
Hope is a Tree, Part Three: The Urban Forest, Appendix
Hope is a Tree, Part Four: Your Tree Commission
Hope is a Tree, Part Four: Your Tree Commission, Appendix
Hope is a Tree, Part Five: Who are those guys messing with my tree?
Hope is a Tree, Part Five, Appendix: Professionals Caring for the City's Trees
