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.
A huge THANK YOU! goes out to our wonderful 2023 Arbor Day Sponsors: |
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Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2237 |
Elk Ridge |
Capital City Lions |
Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge 1199 |
Markwed Excavating Inc |
Swenson Hagen & Co |
Northern Improvement Company |
Mark Zimmerman |
Bismarck - Mandan Garden Club |
BNI Energy |
Sons of Norway - Sverdrup Lodge |
Bismarck Sertoma Club |
AGL Landscape Architects |
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
- Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus K-12 Learning Hub - tree-centric curriculum and activities
- Neighborhood Forest - free trees for kids during Earth Week
- History of Arbor Day - a power point presentation by the Arbor Day Foundation
- Arbor Day Celebration Ideas for Elementary Teachers
- Children's Books about Trees and/or Arbor Day
- Links for Arbor Day Information and Activities
- Teacher's Guide to Arbor Month - MN Dept of Natural Resources website
- Arbor Day History in Bismarck