The Village of Ada celebrated its 42nd annual Arbor Day with Ada Elementary 3rd graders on April 28.

For 42 years the Village has presented Ada Elementary 3rd graders with trees that they can plant at home with their parents. This year, students were presented with a River Birch seedling at the end of the presentation. Village administrator Jamie Hall and Tree Commission member Jim Neiswander provided the students with instructions on planting, digging and the placement of their seedlings. 

Mayor David Retterer held an art contest in which students were asked to draw a tree in its flowering stage. First place was awarded to Eli Anderson, second place went to Charles Wile, and third place awarded to Marley Mason. Mayor Retterer will provide each winner with a special book about trees.

Tom Kier from the Ada Kiwanis Club was in attendance and presented the Ada Tree Commission with a $500 donation. The Ada Kiwanis Club has been a big supporter of the Ada Tree Commission. 

Each year the Village invests in the preservation and replacement of trees. This year the Village purchased several Red Maple and Silver Lindens to replace trees that have recently been taken down. Last week Tree Commission members Jim Neiswander, Terry Keiser and Jenny Donley were scoping out areas for new trees to be planted.

The Village of Ada will be recognized at the 42nd Tree City USA and Tree Growth Awards on May 9, 2023 in Wauseon, Ohio. 

The first Arbor Day occurred on April 10, 1875, in Nebraska City, Nebraska where it is estimated that nearly one million trees were planted to mark the first such event. Arbor Day was the brain child of Julius Sterling Morton, who had a passion for planting trees. By 1885, Arbor Day had become a legal holiday in Nebraska. Arbor Day is a great way to get everyone–including youth–involved in the preservation and planting of trees.