Ames Receives Tree City USA and Growth Award

The City of Ames was recently honored with the 2023 Tree City USA Award at the 33rd Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, was accepted by City Forester Gabriele Edwards and Maintenance Worker Matt Rochford, both with Ames Parks and Recreation.

"The Tree City USA award represents a commitment to growing and diversifying our urban forest," said City of Ames Forester Gabriele Edwards. "For decades, Ames has led by example to other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the value of trees now and into the future."

Additionally, Ames was one of 21 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA Growth Award, which recognizes Tree City USA communities that demonstrate even higher levels of tree care and community engagement during the year. The Growth Award looks at five focus areas that include criteria such as community investment in a forestry team, tree inventory, tree plans, planting and maintaining trees, outreach, awareness, and education. The City of Ames has had Tree City USA status since 1983. This is the first year to receive the Growth Award.

In recognition of Arbor Day and the value trees bring to the community, the public is invited to an Arbor Day Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Homewood Golf Course, 401 E. 20th St., hosted in partnership with the Ames Chamber of Commerce and The Ames Foundation.

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CAPTION: From left, Jeff Goerndt, State Forester; Matt Rochford and Gabriele Edwards, from City of Ames; Kayla Lyon, Director of the Department of Natural Resources; and Zac Hall, President of Iowa Urban Tree Council; attend the Tree City USA Awards Luncheon.