Tree City USA & Growth Awards

The Village of Ashwaubenon was awarded Tree City USA for the 30th consecutive year in 2022. Tree City USA is a nationally recognized program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and National League of cities. The Tree City USA Program is designed to recognize those communities that effectively manage their public tree resources, and to encourage the implementation of community tree management based upon four Tree City USA minimum standards. The standards are:

• A tree board or department
• A community tree ordinance
• A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita 
• An Arbor Day observance and proclamation

Arbor Day at Valley View

Girl Scouts at Smith Park

Girl Scouts at Smith Park

Tree City USA

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These four standards provide structure for a community forestry program, require the program to demonstrate success based on the judgment of the state forester's office, and provide for awareness and appreciation of trees among residents of the community.

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Tree City USA - Growth Awards

The Tree City USA Growth Award is also provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation to recognize environmental improvement and encourage higher levels of tree care throughout America. This award is designed not only to recognize achievement, but also communicate new ideas and help leaders of all Tree City USA’s plan for improving community tree care. A community is eligible for a Tree City USA Growth Award if it has been a Tree City USA for at least a second consecutive year, has spent at least as much on its community forestry program the previous year and completes eligible activities demonstrating program growth.

The Village of Ashwaubenon has received nine Tree City USA Growth Awards.  A highlighted list of projects completed to receive the Growth Awards include:

• Updated Arboricultural Specifications Manual - 2005

• Updated Urban Forestry Management Plan – 2003

• Aerial spray program initiated to control gypsy moth – 2002

• Hardwood Arboretum created at Hidden Valley Park – 2002

• Program initiated to fund street plantings in new sub-divisions – 2001

• Formal agreement to share equipment with Village of Howard – 2001

• Gypsy moth open house held to inform and educate residents – 2001

• Pruning seminar for residents – 2000

• Conducted a park tree inventory with GPS Mapping – 2000

• Initiated a program with WPS to remove & replant unsightly trees under power lines – 2000

• A number of brochures, fact sheets and 2 booklets were produced – ‘00, ‘97, '95

• Developed an Evergreen Arboretum at Sherwood Forest –1999

• Initiated our Neighborhood Street Tree Planting Program – 1999

• Hiring a full time Village Forester – 1998

• Shared joint forester with Village of Howard – 1997

• Comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan –1995

• Computerized Street Tree Inventory & Software – 1995