Arbor Day 2023

Arbor Day is always the first Friday in May in North Dakota. This year that was Friday, May 5th.  Our 2023 Arbor Day celebration was held at Sertoma Park near the community center/amusement park.   

Randy Bina, retired Executive Director of Bismarck Parks and Recreation, was recognized for more than 33 years of distinguished service in advancing parks and recreation opportunities for the community of Bismarck through collaborative and professional leadership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District.

The City of Bismarck received recognition for its 46th year as a Tree City USA. Appleseed Awards were given for beautification efforts on public property in 2022 and a Beautification Award was given for beautification efforts on private property in 2022.  Partners In Planting program sponsors from 2022 were also recognized.  Students from The Innovation School gave presentations and Mayor Mike Schmitz was on hand to make opening remarks. 



2023 Arbor Day program for webpage

Awards

Beautification awards are presented to businesses and organizations for landscaping to enhance and improve the image of their commercial properties in Bismarck. Apple Seed awards are presented to individuals and service clubs for landscape beautification efforts on public property in Bismarck.

Tree City USA Award

The Tree City USA Award is presented to the City of Bismarck each year on behalf of the National Arbor Day Foundation as part of the annual Arbor Day celebration. Bismarck has been meeting the Tree City USA requirements since 1978.

Tree Campus K-12 - The Arbor Day Foundation has recently developed a Tree Campus program for K-12 schools.  Tree Campus K-12 inspires collaboration between schools, students, and communities to facilitate experiences with trees as a learning tool. The program encourages schools and educators to create purposeful opportunities for students to interact with trees by offering resources as well as a framework for becoming recognized and celebrating their efforts with their community.  The Forestry Division is here to assist interested schools in achieving this recognition.  Contact our office to get started!

Other Celebration Activities

Many other activities take place on Arbor Day. Ceremonial Arbor Day trees are dedicated to local citizens whose efforts have made a significant contribution to Bismarck's urban forest.  Forrest Von Flickentale, a flickertail gopher and the Forestry Division mascot, helps with tree planting ceremonies and works to promote and inspire tree planting and care.

Arbor Day Resources