ODNR Division of Forestry celebrates Arbor Day with tree plantings

Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read

CHILLICOTHE – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry celebrated the department’s 75th anniversary with public tree plantings statewide on Arbor Day. These events highlight the importance of trees and empower communities to participate in environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper connection to nature for generations to come.

ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.
ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.

Arbor Day, observed annually in Ohio on the last Friday in April, has deep roots in our state, dating back to its first celebration in April 1872. Cincinnati, Ohio, hosted the first Arbor Day focused on school children and environmental education in 1882, making Ohio a pioneer in embracing this tradition. Today, Ohio proudly continues this legacy.

"Whether they stand in your backyard, your city, or in the heart of the wilderness, trees offer countless benefits and enrich our daily lives,” ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser said in a news release. “As we celebrate Arbor Day, let's recognize the vital role trees play in sustaining our environment and enhancing our quality of life."

ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.
ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.

As part of ODNR’s 75th anniversary celebration, commemorative tree plantings are being coordinated in each of Ohio’s 88 counties this spring, with many planted in April leading up to Arbor Day on April 26.

Tree plantings happened all around the state on Friday, including at Great Seal State Park, the Buckeye State Tree Nursery, and Central State University. Gov. Mike DeWine joined ODNR and CSU leaders to plant a swamp white oak in Central State University's Botanical and Community Garden.

ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.
ODNR staff and volunteers plant tree at Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day and to commemorate ODNR's 75th anniversary.

Ohio's leadership in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program for 43 years reflects a commitment to urban forestry and increasing community tree canopy. These efforts align with the Division of Forestry’s ongoing promotion of sustainable forestry practices and proper tree care statewide.

Spring serves as a reminder of the importance of planting, maintaining, and protecting trees. Ohioans celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day each spring, reminding them of their role in protecting and expanding Ohio’s trees and forested areas through sustainable management for productive and healthy landscapes throughout the state.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: ODNR plants tree planted in Great Seal State Park for Arbor Day