DES MOINES, Iowa – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective categories. All awards are presented on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This is the 30th year for the awards presentations. To qualify for the Tree City USA award, a city must 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.

Among those cities receiving a 2020 award Tree City USA award was:

• Atlantic – The 25th year in a row the City has won the award.
• Carroll
• Clarinda
• Council Bluffs
• Denison
• Glenwood
• Harlan
• Onawa
• Red Oak
• Westphalia
• and Winterset.