Ames Receives Tree City USA Growth Award

Published on April 14, 2026

AMES, Iowa – The City of Ames was recently honored with the 2025 Tree City USA Growth Award at the 35th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), was accepted by City Forester Gabriele Edwards, Ames Parks and Recreation.

“Receiving the Tree City USA Growth Award highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to expanding and protecting our local canopy,” said Edwards. “We look forward to continuing our momentum by being proactive in forestry.”

Ames was one of 20 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 including 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 fourth time Ames has received the Growth Award.

In recognition of Arbor Day, a tree planting event will be held on Saturday, April 25. A grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service will fund planting 70 trees. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Welbeck Drive and Harrison Road.

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