Mason City Earns 2025 Tree City USA Growth Award

MASON CITY, IA — The City of Mason City has been recognized for its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, receiving the 2025 Tree City USA Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The Growth Award honors communities that go above and beyond the basic requirements of the Tree City USA program by demonstrating innovation and leadership in urban forestry, as well as strong community engagement.

This latest recognition adds to a long-standing tradition in Mason City. The city is celebrating its 22nd consecutive year as a Tree City USA community, a designation that reflects its ongoing dedication to maintaining and expanding a healthy urban tree canopy.

City officials credited both residents and staff for helping sustain that effort over more than two decades.

“Achievements like this are only possible because of the continued support from our citizens and the hard work of City staff,” officials noted. “Together, they’ve made Mason City a place where trees—and the benefits they bring—continue to thrive.”

The award presentation included local and state representatives involved in forestry efforts. In one photo, Mason City Street/Sanitation Supervisor Dan Kamm and Director of Public Works Jim Collins are pictured with State Forester Jeff Goerndt of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A second photo features Kamm and Collins alongside Michelle Beisker, Chief Executive Officer of Trees Forever.

The Tree City USA program, administered by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes cities across the country that meet standards for effective urban forest management, including maintaining a tree board or department, establishing a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and observing Arbor Day annually.

Mason City’s continued recognition highlights its commitment to preserving green spaces and investing in the long-term health of its urban environment.