Takoma Park was founded in 1883 and has a large number of old homes and mature trees. The population is very diverse in age, ethnicity and economic condition and includes many professionals, artists, musicians and writers. Takoma Park has been a 'Tree City' since 1984 and has many progressive environmental programs, led by groups such as the Friends of Sligo Creek, the Takom Park Horticulture Club and the Takoma Park Committee on the Environment.