Foley, AL — The Arbor Day Foundation recognized Riviera Utilities as a 2026 Tree Line USA for its commitment to balancing the delivery of reliable electricity with the preservation of urban forests and the profound layers of benefits trees provide communities.
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 Line USA program recognizes service providers that maintain a high standard of care when planting or maintaining trees on the job.
“Trees strengthen our communities and make our neighborhoods healthier in so many ways. But they need us to plant and care for them, which is why it is so important that utilities do their part to help urban forests thrive,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Riviera Utilities demonstrates that safe and reliable electricity doesn’t need to come at the expense of tree canopies. They are setting a positive example for their community and we’re proud to have them as part of our national network of forward-thinking service providers.”
Trees make communities more livable. They clean the air, cool cities, and provide physical and mental health benefits for people. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they also shade homes and businesses and help reduce the demand on energy during peak service hours, ultimately lowering energy costs for residents. The proper maintenance of trees can also increase the reliability of utility services during strong storms, as properly maintained trees result in fewer downed lines.
To qualify as a Tree Line USA, utilities must uphold five core principles including following industry standards for quality tree care, providing annual worker training in best tree care practices, sponsoring a tree planting and public education program, maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
“Riviera’s Vegetation Management Department goes far beyond their day-to-day responsibilities as utility professionals. They are dedicated stewards of our community who deeply value the natural beauty of our environment and are constantly seeking innovative ways to strengthen and protect the place we call home,” said Brian Skelton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riviera Utilities. “We are especially honored to join only two other utilities in Alabama with the Tree Line USA designation. We are incredibly proud of our team’s commitment and grateful to the Arbor Day Foundation for recognizing their outstanding work.”
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters.
To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.
About Riviera Utilities
At Riviera Utilities, our purpose is simple — to improve the quality of life for our customers and communities. Since 1916, we’ve proudly served South Baldwin County as a trusted public utility provider, employer, and community partner. Every day, our team works to deliver safe, reliable electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, and appliance repair services that keep our neighborhoods connected and thriving. Rooted in integrity, service, and commitment, we take pride in doing what’s right for our customers and the communities we call home. Riviera Utilities operates under the guidance of a General Manager and a five-member Board of Directors, with offices located at 413 East Laurel Avenue in Foley and 700 Whispering Pines Road in Daphne
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 1 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 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
