April 28, 2025:
Arbor Day was this past Friday (April 25, 2025) in South Dakota. Earlier in the week, the towns of Fort Pierre and Pierre each held events to acknowledge the day.
On Tuesday (April 22, 2025) in Fort Pierre, two cottonwood trees were planted in Tyler’s Park, which is located in the north part of town.
Arbor Board member Ron Schreiner cared for the trees while they were growing in the Fort Pierre Community Gardens. He said the town needs to plant more trees and the two cottonwoods are a good addition.
Tyler’s Park is named for Tyler Wilcox, a 19 year old from Fort Pierre who passed away almost 20 years ago (Nov. 21, 2005) after a three year battle with cancer. The park is located at the corner of Jura Avenue and Mull Street in Fort Pierre.
Courtesy photo.
Then on Thursday (April 24, 2025), 2nd grade students in the Pierre and Stanley County school districts had the opportunity to learn about trees from Pierre city staff and Arbor Board members, such as South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Community Forester Lokesh Bhattarai.
As part of celebrating Pierre’s 42nd year earning the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, the 2nd graders at Buchanan, Jefferson, Kennedy, St. Joseph’s and Stanley County schools took home a Thornless Honey-locust seedling tree. The distribution of approximately 250 seedlings was made possible by the Pierre Arbor Board in partnership with the Sunshine Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and the South Dakota DANR.
To be recognized as a Tree City USA, a community must demonstrate sound urban forestry practices that include having an Arbor Board and tree-maintenance ordinances. Pierre’s Arbor Board is a volunteer group appointed by the mayor to advise on and lead tree care efforts in town. Current members are Adam Kulesa, Amanda Bachmann, John Henderson, Amanda Martin, Cole Irwin and Lokesh Bhattarai.
Photo credit to DRG Media Group.
Photo credit to DRG Media Group.
Photo credit to DRG Media Group.
April 23, 2025:
Arbor Day is Friday (April 25, 2025) in South Dakota. Just ahead of that, 2nd grade students in the Pierre and Stanley County school districts will have the opportunity to learn about trees and get one to take home.
Pierre Arbor Board President Adam Kulesa says they’ve partnered with the Izaak Walton League to supply the trees the students receive.
The Arbor Day presentations for the 2nd grade classrooms will be held throughout the day Thursday.
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