Arbor Day 2026
What?
Arbor Day is celebrated annually to recognize the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. The first Arbor Day was observed in Nebraska in 1872. National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Additionally, each state has their own official State Arbor Day, celebrated on a date appropriate for tree planting in that region.
When and Where?
In North Dakota Arbor Day is always the first Friday in May. This year that is Friday, May 1st 2026. Our 2026 Arbor Day celebration is to be determined.
Our theme this year is "A Tree Today, A Forest Tomorrow".
Recognition
Each year at our celebration a ceremonial Arbor Day tree is dedicated to a local citizen whose efforts have made a significant contribution to Bismarck's urban forest.
Awards
Appleseed Awards
Apple Seed awards are presented to individuals and service clubs for landscape beautification efforts on public property in Bismarck.
Beautification Awards
Beautification awards are presented to businesses and organizations for landscaping to enhance and improve the image of their commercial properties in Bismarck. To receive this recognition, the installed landscaping must go above and beyond what is required by landscape ordinance.
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 and during Arbor Week/Month. The Forestry Division typically visits the library, we do classroom visits inside or outside upon request, and assist other groups or individuals that want to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Contact our office with your idea and we'll see if we can help!
Forrest Von Flickentale
Forrest is a flickertail gopher and the Forestry Division mascot, he helps with tree planting ceremonies and works to promote and inspire tree planting and care.
Arbor Day Resources
- Arbor Day Celebration Ideas for Elementary Teachers
- Children's Books about Trees and/or Arbor Day (PDF) - listing of children's books about trees and Arbor Day.
- Links for Arbor Day Information and Activities (PDF) - listing of links to some great tree and nature related subject matter.
- Teacher's Guide to Arbor Month - MN Dept of Natural Resources website
- Arbor Day History in Bismarck (PDF) - listing of Arbor Day honorees and tree locations in Bismarck.
- Neighborhood Forest - free trees for kids during Earth Week.
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!