GOWANDA — As the village of Gowanda continues to improve on itself, one long standing thing they’ve had going is their designation as a Tree City.

For the 20th year in a row, Gowanda has been designated as a Tree City by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

As part of the designation, there will be a package sent to every city, utilizing funds saved from not having the Tree City recognition luncheon be in person the last couple of years. According to Gowanda Mayor Dave Smith, the Tree City designation is thanks in part to the work of many, including Gowanda Historian Phil Palin and Jack Torrance.

“This is reflective of the hard work of many over the years, led by Phil Palin and Jack Torrance,” Smith said. “The tree landscape of Gowanda is one of the features that magnifies the beauty of our quaint little village.”

Requirements for becoming a Tree City include having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Becoming a city connects a community to a network of other communities who care about trees, and also includes benefits of having access to funding sources through the Arbor Day Foundation and additional points on scoring for DEC Urban and Community Forestry, on top of the other aesthetic and environmental advantages trees provide.

On Saturday, April 23, the second annual Gowanda Community Clean-up Event will be held by the Impactful Panthers club, beginning at Jesse’s Home and Gifts, who are providing the venue to meet up. From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers are welcome to help clean up the village, and those looking for volunteer hours for scholarships or National Honor Society will be able to have them documented.

Anyone wishing to donate items can contact Amy at Jesse’s Home and Gifts or Sue Bettker, at 716-698-5682. The supplies needed for the litter pickup will be provided, though those attending are encouraged to dress for the weather. No rain date has been planned.