Saint Peter Earns Tree City USA Recognition From Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Saint Peter a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its ongoing commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees to benefit the community.
This recognition marks the second consecutive year Saint Peter has received the Tree City USA designation, reaffirming the City’s dedication to strengthening and diversifying its urban forest.
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 one million supporters and partners has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season, highlighting decades of impact in building healthier, greener, and more resilient communities.
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like Saint Peter 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 Saint Peter is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
In cities and neighborhoods, trees help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and support mental and physical health. Strategically planted trees can also reduce noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for residents.
“Earning Tree City USA recognition for a second year in a row reflects the ongoing work of our staff and community to invest in Saint Peter’s urban forest,” said Pete Moulton, Director of Public Works. “From planting new trees to maintaining and diversifying our canopy, this recognition highlights the importance of trees in keeping our community healthy, resilient, and vibrant.”
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in 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, visit arborday.org/programs.
