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The City of Marion was recently honored with the 2020 Tree City USA Growth Award, presented on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This is the 30th year for the awards presentation, which recognizes cities, college campuses, and utilities that demonstrate dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities. The Urban Forestry Award luncheon, originally scheduled for April 2, was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. The City of Marion received both the Tree City USA Award and the Tree City USA Growth Award. To qualify for the Tree City USA award, cities 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. Sixty-three Iowa cities received this honor. Marion was one of 14 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA Growth status. To be eligible, cities must provide education and public relations, partnerships, planning and management, and tree planting and maintenance in their community. Marion has achieved Tree City USA status consistently since 1993.