Watford City has received Tree City USA recognition for 35 years, according to City of Watford City information.

In celebration of Arbor Day in Watford City, first grade students from both Fox Hills Elementary and Badlands Elementary participated in hands-on activities alongside city staff. Students took part in activities including birdhouse making, individual tree planting and themed coloring activities focused on the importance of trees and environmental stewardship.

Each school also planted two new trees on their respective school properties, helping create a lasting impact that will continue to grow alongside the students and community for years to come.

Mayor Phil Riely also emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in the community’s future through tree planting and environmental stewardship.

Submitted Photo A Fox Hills Elementary student plants an individual take-home tree during Watford City’s 2026 Arbor Day celebration alongside City of Watford City staff and classmates May 11.

“The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The next best time to plant a tree is today,” Riely said.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the

organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season.

The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener and more resilient communities through urban forestry.

“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like Watford City are leading the way in a

Submitted Photo Badlands Elementary students gather in front of a newly planted tree following Arbor Day activities hosted by the City of Watford City May 11.

growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” Michelle Saulnier, vice president of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, said. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building

resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Watford City is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact

through trees.”

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on

urban forestry and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

Submitted Photo Badlands Elementary students help plant a new tree on school grounds as part of Watford City’s 2026 Arbor Day celebration May 11.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.