The City of Ames was recently honored with the 2021 Tree City USA Award at the 31st Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon on April 12th in Ankeny.

The award, presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, was accepted on behalf of the city by Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent.

Ames was one of 74 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA status. To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.

The City of Ames has had Tree Planting USA status since 1983.