Red Oak named a Tree City USA

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 communities.
Awards were presented April 12 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Several local communities were recipients of the Tree City USA award . Among the area communities receiving the award were Red Oak, Glenwood, Clarinda, and Atlantic.
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.
Clarinda was also the recipient of a Tree City USA Growth award.  To qualify for the Tree City USA Growth award, cities must provide education and public relations, partnerships, planning and management, and tree planting and maintenance in their community.