Washington is receiving an Urban Forestry Award. The awards are presented annually to recognize cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate the importance of trees in their communities through programs and plantings. 

The City of Washington will be given the Tree City USA award. To qualify a city must have a city forester or active city tree board,  a tree ordinance, and spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program. In addition, they need a tree planting and maintenance plan. 

The awards will be presented on April 3rd in Ankeny on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.