Business owner Mike Harbin, Sr. is being recognized by the City of Auburn Urban Tree Board as a tree steward for preserving the Monkey Puzzle Tree at 1708 E. Main St.

Harbin will be presented with a proclamation and certificate during the City of Auburn Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Additionally, the Monkey Puzzle Tree will be designated as a significant tree in Auburn. The City seeks to protect any unique, rare or endangered species of plants found within the City as part of its Comprehensive Plan and the Urban Tree Board works with the community to nominate tree stewards for their community service of preserving unique trees within the City of Auburn. Promoting the preservation and beautification of trees assists in enhancing wildlife habitat, improving air quality, and reducing soil erosion.

Auburn is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, which recognizes communities that effectively manage their urban forest and meet four Tree City USA standards. The standards including having a tree governing body; maintaining a comprehensive community forestry program that spends at least $2 per capita on the urban forest; maintaining a tree care ordinance; and holding an annual celebration related to Arbor Day.

Also, as part of Auburn’s Tree City USA designation, the City of Auburn Planning & Building Department manages Community Grants that encourage citizens to apply for tree plantings in residential and commercial neighborhoods. In exchange for financial assistance, groups must commit to plant, water and maintain the trees.

For additional information about the Tree Grants, call the City of Auburn Planning Department at 253-931-3090. For more information about the Urban Tree Board or to nominate an individual or company as a Tree Steward, please call the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.