MUSCATINE, Iowa — Muscatine has once again earned national recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking the 33rd consecutive year the city has received the honor for its strong commitment to tree planting, maintenance, and environmental stewardship.
“Being named a Tree City USA for over three decades is no small feat,” Matt Mardesen, City Administrator, said. “It’s a reflection of our community’s shared values—clean air, green spaces, and a healthier future for the next generation.”
The Tree City USA program recognizes cities that meet four core standards: having a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing at least $2 per resident in urban forestry, and hosting an annual Arbor Day celebration. Muscatine has consistently met and exceeded these requirements.
“We’re proud of the work our Parks and Recreation team and volunteers do every year to maintain our tree canopy,” Melissa Baker, Park Maintenance Supervisor, said. “Trees don’t just beautify our neighborhoods—they improve mental health, reduce flooding, and make our city more resilient.”
Trees provide a wide range of benefits to Muscatine residents: they cool down streets and homes, reduce stormwater runoff, boost property values, and improve overall well-being. The Arbor Day Foundation notes that planting the right tree in the right place also helps cut energy costs and traffic noise.
''We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Muscatine are leading the way," Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, said. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Muscatine is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."
Muscatine’s designation is part of a nationwide movement supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, the USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. Since its founding in 1972, the Foundation and its partners have helped plant more than 500 million trees in over 60 countries.
For more information about Tree City USA or how to participate, visit arborday.org.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. With a global network of more than one million members and partners, the Foundation is working toward a greener, healthier future—one tree at a time. Learn more at arborday.org.