Arbor Day 2020

Bismarck Arbor Day 

Arbor Day is always the first Friday in May in North Dakota.  This year that was Friday, May 1st.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Bismarck's annual Arbor Day event scheduled to take place on Friday, May 1st at Optimist Park was postponed. 

However, the event was rescheduled and took place on Wednesday, September 23rd at Optimist Park.  

Greg Smith, retired Bismarck Parks and Recreation Operations Director, was recognized with a bur oak tree planted in his honor for his  21+ years of commitment and dedication to making Bismarck's parks beautiful.  

The City of Bismarck received recognition for its 43rd year as a Tree City USA.  Appleseed Awards were given for plantings on public property in 2019 and Partners In Planting program sponsors from 2019 were also recognized.

Shiloh 5th grade students were in attendance and a small group read the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer.  Apples and baby trees were handed out at the end of the program.

2020 Arbor Day Program

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