City of Muskegon Earns 2025 Tree City USA, Growth Award Recognition from Arbor Day Foundation
April 8, 2026
The Arbor Day Foundation named City of Muskegon a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. City of Muskegon also received a Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 50 years. The City of Muskegon has earned Tree City USA recognition for 26 years from 1999-2017 and 2019-2025. The city has also earned the Growth Award 5 times; in 2000 and 2022-2025.
“By recognizing the role of trees as critical infrastructure, City of Muskegon is helping shape a healthier and more resilient future. We’re proud the City of Muskegon is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities committed to creating positive impact through trees,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation.
In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
Mayor of Muskegon, Ken Johnson notes that “The City of Muskegon celebrates maintaining its Tree City USA designation, and is proud to additionally receive the Growth Award. Having a strong, vibrant tree canopy supports social and environmental sustainability, which helps to make Muskegon a healthier and more resilient city for everyone.”
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.
Media Contact:
Deborah Sweet
231-225-6797