MUSCATINE, Iowa – More than two dozen community-minded employees from HNI Corporation rolled up their sleeves on Friday, October 2, partnering with the City of Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department to expand the local urban canopy. The volunteer group successfully planted four diverse varieties of trees (honey locust, tulip, crab apple, and ginkgo) at strategic areas throughout the community.
The volunteer group received a hands-on demonstration of tree planting at Kent Stein Park from Parks and Recreation Parks Maintenance Supervisor Melissa Baker and Jackson Axley, landscape horticulturalist, and Ashlyn McKenzie, lead groundskeeper. Iowa DNR representative Ellie Jones was also on hand detailing the new trees and mapping where they were planted.
The volunteers were divided into three teams and dispersed to various locations throughout Muscatine including Kent Stein Park, Muscatine Soccer Complex and Soccer West, Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, Riverfront Park, Brook Street Park, Duncan Park, Fourth Street Park, and the City parking lot on Chestnut Street.
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The extensive planting initiative was made possible by the recently awarded $42,000 Urban Forestry Grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These specific funds are designated to purchase 197 new trees to reinforce Muscatine’s green spaces and replace those lost to extreme weather and disease over the years.
“Our corporate partners are vital to keeping our city beautiful and environmentally resilient,” said Baker. “We are incredibly grateful to the over 24 volunteers from HNI who gave their time and energy on Friday. Their hard work ensures these four new tree varieties will thrive, providing shade, lowering cooling costs, and adding natural beauty to our neighborhoods for decades to come.”
This seasonal volunteer event directly supports Muscatine's long-standing legacy as a Tree City USA community — a prestigious title the city has proudly maintained for 34 consecutive years. Thriving urban forests are critical infrastructure elements that mitigate traffic noise, absorb stormwater runoff, and significantly reduce summer neighborhood temperatures.
The City of Muscatine extends its deepest gratitude to HNI Corporation and its dedicated employees for their ongoing corporate citizenship and hands-on environmental stewardship.
The next tree planting will be conducted in spring 2027.
To learn more about ongoing urban forestry programs or to get involved in future planting opportunities, please visit the City of Muscatine Trees Portal.
Headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, HNI Corporation is a manufacturer of workplace furnishings and residential building products. HNI is strongly committed to community responsibility, sustainability, and supporting the local environments where its members live and work.
