From CITY OF BOWLING GREEN
The city of Bowling Green was recently recognized as a Tree City USA during the northwest Ohio awards ceremony. This year, 2026, marks the 46th occasion Bowling Green has been honored with this nationally recognized award. Additionally, the city received the Tree City USA Growth Award for the 32nd time, acknowledging its continued efforts in fostering higher standards of tree care and environmental improvement. The city, along with the Bowling Green Tree Commission, was honored to attend this year’s Tree City Awards ceremony in Maumee.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, presented the awards to the Tree City USA and Tree Campus communities. Guest presenters shared methods of measuring tree height and the value of collecting that data.
The title of Tree City USA was bestowed upon the community for its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the quality of life through a comprehensive tree management program. The program, guided by the Tree Commission, is developed and executed by the city’s urban forestry division, led by Adrien Lowien-Kirian. The additional honor of a Growth Award signifies Bowling Green’s commitment to establishing a sustainable urban forest management framework.
The Ohio DNR, Division of Forestry’s Urban Forestry Assistance Program acts as a guiding hand in helping a community be recognized as a Tree City USA. The regional urban forester recommends a community to the Arbor Day Foundation for this standing. To achieve the title and the honors, a community must meet four standards:
- Establish a tree ordinance
- Maintain an active tree commission or forestry department
- Implement a comprehensive urban forestry program supported by a minimum of two dollars per capita
- Host an annual Arbor Day proclamation and public observance
Ohio boasts the greatest number of Tree Cities in the country with over 240 total communities, according to the Ohio Division of Forestry. In northwest Ohio, 50 communities are Tree Cities and five universities are honored as Tree Campuses. All were recognized for their achievements at the awards ceremony.
For additional information about the Tree City USA program or the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.
