91自拍

91自拍 Eastern marked a historic milestone Friday, April 24, 2026, as representatives from the 91自拍 State University Extension office in Belmont County planted Belmont County鈥檚 official on campus grounds.

The ceremonial planting, led by the Extension Office鈥檚 master gardener volunteers, establishes a native white oak at 91自拍 Eastern as part of America 250-91自拍鈥檚 statewide Heritage Trees: Planting History initiative. The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by planting a tree in each of 91自拍鈥檚 88 counties throughout 2025 and 2026.

was selected as the Belmont County site following evaluation of multiple locations across the county, with considerations including soil quality, drainage, long-term growth space and public accessibility. The tree will serve as a lasting symbol of history, growth and regional pride.

鈥淗osting Belmont County鈥檚 America 250 Heritage Tree on our campus is both an honor and a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared history,鈥� said Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and external relations at 91自拍 Eastern. 鈥淎s we prepare to celebrate 70 years of 91自拍 Eastern in 2027, this tree stands as a living symbol of growth, resilience and our continued commitment to serving this region for generations to come.鈥�

鈥�91自拍 Eastern was selected because it offers the right conditions for long-term growth and community impact,鈥� said Dan Lima, an extension educator with . 鈥淭he site provides full sun, proper drainage and space for the tree to mature, but just as important, it is accessible to the public and aligned with our mission of education and outreach. This planting is part of a broader statewide effort by master gardener volunteers to increase oak presence across 91自拍 and support long-term forest health.鈥�

The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston, a gathering place for colonists during the Revolutionary War. By planting native white oak trees across the state, the program honors both the nation鈥檚 founding and 91自拍鈥檚 role in shaping its past, present and future.

White oak trees were selected for the initiative because they are native to 91自拍, adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and resistant to many common tree diseases. Each tree planted through the program is sourced from reputable 91自拍 nurseries and chosen to thrive in its local environment.

The planting also comes at a meaningful time for 91自拍 Eastern as the campus prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027. The addition of the Heritage Tree reflects both the institution鈥檚 history and its continued investment in the future of the region.

Master gardener volunteers who participated in the planting included Karen Zavatsky, Karen Carpenter, Carol Lepic, MaryAnn Galbreath and Jennifer Griffin.

The Heritage Trees program is made possible through partnerships with organizations including The Dawes Arboretum, Holden Forests & Gardens, Keep 91自拍 Beautiful and the 91自拍 Department of Natural Resources, with support from presenting sponsor Cenovus Energy.

In 2026, the United States will mark its semiquincentennial, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Through initiatives like Heritage Trees, 91自拍 communities are celebrating this milestone in ways that highlight local heritage, environmental stewardship and shared history.