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Trees and tree health are a pretty big deal at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (we manage nearly 4 million acres of state forest land!), so Arbor Day, April 24, is the perfect time to dig deeper into how all Michiganders can support and grow trees.
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
Arbor Day-related photos are available in the DNR's public image gallery.
Questions? Contact DNR Urban and Community Forestry program manager Kevin Sayers at 517-582-3209.
Around the world
Arbor Day is an internationally celebrated holiday: from Australia to Yemen, people love trees! While everyone might not celebrate on the same day, differing even state to state, most places will celebrate their love of trees with a tree week, tree festival and other events.
In your community
Check the DNR's Arbor Day webpage for resources on planting trees and Arbor Day events. The Arbor Day Foundation also has a list of ways you can celebrate Arbor Day by yourself.
Statewide events map
The DNR is compiling and promoting Arbor Day and related tree planting and distribution events all over the state on this interactive online map. Visit the site to add your organization or community's public event and check out over 50 events across the state.
Family/youth activities
Plant a tree: A tree planting checklist to help classrooms or families plant trees.
A Tree’s Life: Learn about the life cycle of a tree.
Seed collecting: Gather seeds from a wooded area. Have children examine their seed collections and invent a system for sorting or classifying them. Explain that plants have developed many different methods of seed dispersal, to ensure the success of their species.
Discover the Forest: This website helps families and educators find simple, fun ways to play and learn in nearby nature, building confidence, connection and curiosity along the way.
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Exploring the Neighbor-wood: Explore a nearby outdoor space — like a yard, sidewalk or park — looking closely for signs of how trees are used by animals, plants and people, and take time to observe, wonder and reflect together.
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Texture Detectives: Explore natural materials with your sense of touch and practice using descriptive words. Children can test their detective skills by feeling a mystery object and identifying it just by touch.
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Gifts of Green: Take a slow, mindful walk, or a “wonder wander,” through nature and use your senses to notice trees, animals, plants and other natural elements. Reflect on the gifts nature provides by drawing or writing a thank-you card.
Video Library | Arbor Day Foundation
Michigan Community Tree Species Selection (MiCOTSS) Guide
Arbor Day Foundation Assembling Largest Collection of Tree Stories This Arbor Day Season
Community Tree Proposal | Arbor Day Foundation
Tips on giving away seedlings
Apply for Urban Forestry Assistance grants by May 18
 Volunteering is a fun, easy way to connect with your community and learn about caring for trees and other natural resources. You can find volunteer opportunities with the DNR or through our partners:
The DNR has pledged to plant 50 million trees by 2030, and you can help. Every tree you plant and track on the MI Trees interactive map will add to the current 29.6 million trees already planted by the DNR and other residents like you! The DNR is a cooperative partner in achieving the global goal of restoring and growing 1 trillion trees by 2030 through the global Trillion Trees campaign, administered in the U.S. as ForestsPlus. |
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Tree City USA
2025 awardees:
Cities: Adrian, Albion, Allegan, Alma, Alpena, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Battle Creek, Bay City, Berkley, Big Rapids, Birmingham, Boyne City, Brighton, Cadillac, Caro, Charlevoix, Charlotte, Coldwater, Detroit, Dowagiac, East Lansing, Eastpointe, Escanaba, Ferndale, Ferrysburg, Flint, Flushing, Frankenmuth, Frankfort, Fraser, Fremont, Gaylord, Glen Arbor, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Grosse Pointe, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, Hillsdale, Holland, Howell, Huntington Woods, Imlay City, Ionia, Kentwood, Laingsburg, Lansing, Lapeer, Lathrup Village, Livonia, Lowell, Ludington, Madison Heights, Manistee, Marquette, Marshall, Mason, Midland, Monroe, Montague, Morenci, Mount Clemens, Muskegon, Negaunee, North Muskegon, Northville, Novi, Oak Park, Owosso, Petersburg, Petoskey, Plymouth, Port Huron, Portage, Portland, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Rockford, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Saugatuck, South Haven, South Lyon, Southfield, Southgate, St. Clair, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Sturgis, Taylor, Tecumseh, Traverse City, Trenton, Troy, Warren, Whitehall, Wyoming and Ypsilanti.
Townships: Canton, Chesterfield, Orion, Plymouth and Shelby.
Villages: Breckenridge, Beverly Hills, Caledonia, Dexter, Grand Beach, Grosse Pointe Shores, Holly, Kingsley, Lake Odessa, Lexington, Mackinaw City, Michiana, Milford, Northport, Romeo and St. Charles.
Tree Cities of the World
283 communities were recognized as Tree Cities of the World, including Ann Arbor, Birmingham and Grand Haven, in 2025.
Partner spotlights
Park Rx America
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