Dubuque Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition Copyrighted
May 18, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 6.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Dubuque Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition
SUMMARY: The Arbor Day Foundation named Dubuque a 2025 Tree City
USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain
trees to benefit its community.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Tree City USA 2025 Award Letter
Page 401 of 890
Arbor Da 2„ ".,2'h s` �
Y I Lincoln, NE 6,:�C,.,
Foundation,� arborday.org
MayorBrad Cavanagh
5o W i3th Street
Dubuque,IA 52ooi
Dear Mayor Brad Cavanagh,
On behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation as we celebrate the 5oth Anniversary of the Tree City USA
program,I'm happy to extend my warmest congratulations to Dubuque on receiving a 2025 Tree City USA
recognition.This well-deserved recognition is a testament to your community's unwavering commitment
to the planting,care,and celebration of trees.
In an era where cities and towns are facing increasing challenges related to air quality,public health, and
climate resilience,nurturing urban forests has never been more important. By prioritizing tree
stewardship,you've not only helped enhance Dubuque's livability,but you've also invested in a healthier,
more sustainable future for your residents.
The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program has a long legacy of supporting a nationwide network
of passionate organizers and tireless tree planters. Since i976,we've recognized thousands of
communities of all sizes that have created and maintained green spaces.While we all work in different
corners of the country,we are working in unison to create positive change through trees.
To be named a Tree City USA is to be part of something bigger.
We hope you are as excited as we are to share this accomplishment with your local media and your
residents.To that end,we've included a press release for you to distribute at your convenience.A digital
copy of the press release and other materials can be found in the Tree City USA Resource Center online at
arborday.org/TreeCitvtoolkit.
Once again, congratulations on this outstanding achievement and thank you for your dedication to
Dubuque's tree canopy.We believe cities that take care of their trees,take care of their people.
Best Regards,
� �%����'
Dan Lambe
Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation
C�i�i,.�,�i^i,r �� I�ISOY�INK
Page 402 of 890
Arbor Da 211 N.12th St.
Y Lincoln, NE 68508
Foundation.,, arborday.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubuque Contact:
{Name}
{Phone}
{Email}
Arbor Day Foundation Contact:
Jasmine Putney
4o2-2i6-93o7
inutne_y(a�arbord.a .�g
DUBUQUE F:ARNS 2025 TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION
�'�Z�1Vi �Z��IIi� I�AY FO�TIV�1�'I'IO►N
DUBUQUE,Iowa(3/3i/2o26)—The Arbor Day Foundation named Dubuque a 2025 Tree Ciry USA in
honor of its commitment to plant,grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.
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 50o million trees in forests and communities across more than 6o countries.The
Foundation's Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 5oth recognition season.The anniversary
underscores the program's rich history of growing healthier,greener,and more resilient communities
through urban forestry.
"For five decades,Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and
sustainability of their communities.Tree champions like Dubuque are leading the way in a growing
movement to shape a better future with trees and action,"said Michelle Saulnier,Vice President of
Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure,building resiliency and fostering
good health in our nation's cities.We're proud Dubuque is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing
network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."
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.
{Q'i'T�`Ji3Ai.�LTOT�I�I'.CiVI Ci i'G'Fi i�AL j LOCAL 7�'�EE CITY REPRESEi�T'I'i-�T�'i:�
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.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant,nurture,and celebrate trees.
They foster a growing community of more than i million leaders,innovators,planters,and supporters
united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more
than 5o years,they've answered critical need with action,planting more than half a billion trees alongside
their partners.And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 5oi(c)(g)nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the
power of trees. Learn more at arborday.or�.
�� �� ���s°"'"��, Page 403 of 890