Arbor Day 2020

Bismarck Arbor Day 

Arbor Day is always the first Friday in May in North Dakota.  This year that is Friday, May 1st. 

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the City of Bismarck's annual Arbor Day event scheduled to take place on Friday, May 1st at Optimist Park has been postponed until fall, a specific date is yet to be determined.  

When the event takes place, Greg Smith, retired Bismarck Parks and Recreation Operations Director, will be recognized with a tree planting in his honor for his many years of commitment and dedication to making Bismarck's parks beautiful.  

The City of Bismarck will receive recognition for its 43rd year as a Tree City USA.  Appleseed Awards will be given for planting on public property in 2019 and we will recognize our 2019 Partners In Planting program sponsors.

If you or your business is interested in being a sponsor for the 2020 event please click here for a donation form.

The spirit of Arbor Day is still strong!  Click here for resources and ideas from the Arbor Day Foundation to help you to celebrate trees this spring.

2020 Arbor Day picture

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. 

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. Third and fourth grade students in Bismarck's elementary schools are provided the opportunity to view educational videos about Arbor Day and the care of trees. 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