Gov. DeWine, ODNR celebrate Arbor Day with tree planting at Central State University
Above (L-R): Central State University Board of Trustees Chairperson Jacqueline Gamblin, Interim President Dr. Alex Johnson, incoming President Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, and Gov. Mike DeWine plant a tree at the Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden in Wilberforce on Arbor Day. The event commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and was part of the 10th anniversary celebration of Central State as a Land-Grant Institution.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), a pioneer in environmental stewardship, marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 75th anniversary on Arbor Day. As part of the festivities, the ODNR Division of Forestry planted trees across the state, including at the Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden at Central State University.
The commemoration, held in conjunction with the 10th-anniversary celebration marking Central State as a Land-Grant institution, was a testament to the department's enduring commitment to trees and the environment. Its ongoing efforts empower communities in environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper connection to nature for generations to come.
Arbor Day, a cherished tradition in Ohio, is observed annually on the last Friday in April. The roots of this tradition run deep in our state, dating back to its first celebration in April 1872. In 1882, Cincinnati, Ohio, hosted the first Arbor Day focused on schoolchildren and environmental education, a pioneering move that set Ohio apart. Today, Ohio proudly continues this legacy, a testament to its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.
"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 press release.
"As we celebrate Arbor Day, let's recognize the vital role trees play in sustaining our environment and enhancing our quality of life."
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.
On Arbor Day, the state was abuzz with tree-planting activities. The Great Seal State Park, the Buckeye State Tree Nursery, and Central State University were among the locations where trees were planted. Gov. Mike DeWine joined the event at Central State University to plant a swamp white oak in the University's Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden, a symbolic act of environmental stewardship.
Ohio's 43-year leadership in the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program 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.
