Waterloo has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to its community forest. It is the 36th year Waterloo has received this national recognition.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service

Waterloo has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA

• Waterloo has a forestry department
• Waterloo has a tree care ordinance
• Waterloo has a comprehensive community forestry program
• Waterloo has an Arbor Day observance

“The trees we plant and care for today will cool and beautify our communities, increase property values, help clean the air and water, and conserve energy for years to come,” said John Rosenow, President of The National Arbor Day Foundation.

“An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement - a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years,” Rosenow continued. “The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement.”