A Jefferson city official was recently recognized for his support of beautifying the community with trees.

Jefferson City Administrator Scott Peterson was a recipient of the Outstanding Civic Leader in Urban Forestry Award from the Iowa Urban Tree Council. According to Iowa Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Coordinator Emma Hanigan, Peterson has worked for over 20 years as a city administrator in Glidden, Lake View and now in Jefferson, where he has helped these communities grow and established an urban forestry program.

While being in Jefferson, Hanigan says Peterson has supported the Jefferson Tree Committee helping to double the amount of trees planted after the destruction of the Emerald Ash Borer and several wind events. He also facilitated a partnership with the Jefferson Kiwanis Club to ensure proper watering and handling of newly planted trees so that they can properly mature. Hanigan states that Peterson is an example of what an Iowa civic leader is for enhancing forestry resources with tree plantings. 

Peterson received the award at the 34th Annual Urban Forestry Awards Ceremony on April 3rd at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.