Three area communities have been recognized with the Tree City USA Award for their recognition of the importance of trees in their towns. Each year, the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) present the Urban Forestry Awards at a luncheon in Ankeny. To qualify as a Tree City USA recipient, participants must either employ a city forester or have a city tree board, maintain a tree ordinance in city code, spend at least $2 per capita annually on forestry programs, and utilize a tree planting and maintenance plan. Seventy-five communities statewide were recognized with the award, including Carroll, Denison, and Jefferson. This is the 32nd consecutive year Carroll has earned the Tree City USA designation, the 24th year for the City of Jefferson, and the 20th year for the City of Denison. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, maintaining a thriving urban forest leads to many benefits for residents, such as reductions in home energy costs, increased property values, and community pride. Learn more at www.arborday.org.
Carroll, Jefferson, And Denison Recognized As 2023 Tree City USA Award Recipients
