Town Beauty

Forest Heights Earns National Award

The Town of Forest Heights has received national recognition for its efforts to enhance the beauty, vitality and character of the community through the 2026 America in Bloom program.

The honor was announced during the annual America in Bloom symposium and awards celebration, held Sept. 24-26 in the Washington, D.C., area. Forest Heights received special recognition for its Overall Impression, based on an evaluation conducted by America in Bloom Advisors Millie Murphree and Jack Clasen.

Murphree and Clasen spent two days touring Forest Heights during the summer, meeting with municipal officials, residents and community volunteers while observing the town’s efforts to improve its physical environment and strengthen community engagement.

Participants in the national program are evaluated in seven areas: community vitality, overall impression, environmental initiatives, heritage celebration, urban forestry, landscaped areas and floral impact, as well as community involvement.

America in Bloom distinguishes itself from other community recognition programs by sending specially trained advisors to personally visit participating communities. Following each visit, participants receive a detailed written evaluation outlining accomplishments and opportunities for future improvement.

“America in Bloom is helping communities of all sizes achieve their potential,” America in Bloom Executive Director Laura Kunkle said. “Every year our participants raise the bar, and the accomplishments and progress shown by this year's group is remarkable.”

Kunkle congratulated Forest Heights for its work to make the community “more beautiful and vibrant.”

Since its inception, more than 440 communities in 44 states have participated in America in Bloom, with the program reaching more than 24 million people.

Registration is now open for the 2027 America in Bloom national program through Feb. 28, 2027. Eligible participants include towns, cities, college and university campuses, business districts, military installations and recognized neighborhoods within large cities.