Ames Receives Tree City USA and Growth Award
AMES, Iowa – The City of Ames was recently honored with the 2024 Tree City USA Growth Award at the 34th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny on April 3. The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, was accepted by City Forester Gabriele Edwards, Ames Parks and Recreation.
“The Tree City USA award represents a commitment to growing and diversifying our urban forest,” said 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.”
Ames was one of 25 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA Growth Award status, 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 second year Ames has received the Growth Award.
In recognition of Arbor Day, a tree planting event will be held on Saturday, May 10, in the Marston/Curtiss neighborhood between 13th and 16th streets. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 50 trees will be planted. Volunteers can plan to meet at 9 a.m. at the corner of Marston Ave. and 16th St.
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 From left, Kayla Lyon, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Gabriele Edwards, City of Ames Forester; Jeff Goerndt, State Forester; attend the Tree City USA Awards Luncheon.
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