The Bismarck Forestry Division will host a community recognition program and ceremonial tree planting Friday, May 7, 2021 at 1:00 P.M., at Heritage Park, 5807 Sonora Way, Bismarck. The public is welcome and invited to attend. The 2021 Arbor Day theme is: “Get your daily dose of trees for a healthy you and me.”

Each year a ceremonial Arbor Day tree is dedicated to a local citizen whose efforts have made a significant contribution to Bismarck's urban forest. The 2021 ceremonial tree planting will be dedicated to Chad Moldenhauer and Heritage Development in recognition of their leadership and forward thinking in the greening of Heritage Park and Heritage Ridge Additions in Northwest Bismarck.

The Arbor Day Ceremony will include Apple Seed Awards presented for 2020 landscape beautification efforts on public property, a Beautification Award for 2020 landscape beautification efforts on private property, as well as recognition of 2020 Partners in Planting sponsors; community minded organizations that have partnered with the City to provide funds for a matching grant to help home owners plant street trees. Bismarck will also be celebrating 44 years as a Tree City USA.

Mayor Bakken will be in attendance to read the Arbor Day Proclamation and give remarks.  Mrs. Heiple’s fourth-grade students from Liberty Elementary School will also take part in the Arbor Day ceremony.  The tree planting will take place (weather permitting) at the close of the program.  

Additional Arbor Week activities include: 

•    Tree planting lessons with area homeschool students on Tuesday, May 4, at Sertoma Park

•    A visit to the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library for story time on Thursday, May 6.

•    Visits to second and fourth grade classrooms at Centennial Elementary school on Thursday, May 6.

For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/forestry or call 355-1700.