The Minot Park District is celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday, May 18, at Oak Park from 9 a.m.-noon.

Minot Parks invites the public to participate in a tree-planting initiative with the Forestry Department. There will be seedling trees to plant at home while supplies last. Minot Parks Horticulture staff will talk about the advantages of butterfly and perennial gardens starting at 9:30 a.m. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will share insights regarding the management of invasive insect species.

Minot was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, honoring its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The city achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“We are excited to once again be named a Tree City USA. This marks Minot’s 32nd year to receive this honor.” said Elly DesLauriers, executive director of the Minot Park District. “We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Minot and their continued support of the Forestry Department as well as our passionate community partners. We also thank our dedicated staff for their knowledge and continued education that allows for the preservation of our urban forest for generations to come.”