Arbor Day sees six trees planted; $750K grant promises more
TL/DR –
The City of Port Clinton celebrated Arbor Day 2026 by planting six new trees in Lakeview Park, with the event being attended by the Port Clinton Tree Commission members and Girl Scouts from Troop 1062. Port Clinton, designated as a Tree City USA since 1989, has a continued commitment to plant new trees and remove dead ones, made possible by the monetary support of the Friends of Port Clinton Parks and reinstated grant funding from the Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act. The Arbor Day tree, a Celebration Maple, was planted during the ceremony, noted for its durability to severe weather and potential for 80-year longevity.
Port Clinton Celebrates Arbor Day with Tree Planting and Presentations
Arbor Day 2026 in Port Clinton was a memorable occasion, with the Port Clinton Tree Commission and Girl Scout Troop 1062 convening at Lakeview Park despite the rain on April 24. The highlight of the event was the planting of six new trees, but the ceremony also featured tree-focused essays from local Girl Scouts and the dedication of the devoted members of the Port Clinton Tree Commission.
The Port Clinton Tree Commission
For the event, the Tree Commission was led by Chairman Larry Holman, alongside members Jerry Tarolli, Roger Domokos, Lisa Bodi, and Ed Urban. A series of enlightening speeches about different species of trees were delivered by Girl Scouts Halli Boger, Audrey Blumensaadt, Tenley Chaffin, and Charlotte Ward, all of whom were rewarded with gift cards from Sloopy’s Pizza for their efforts.
Port Clinton has been designated a Tree City USA since 1989, largely due to the relentless efforts of the Tree Commission. The commission is dedicated to the removal of dead trees within the city and the planting of new ones, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the health of the community. This Arbor Day, six new trees were planted due to the financial support of the Friends of Port Clinton Parks. The commission also has plans for more plantings in the near future.
Boost for Tree Planting Efforts
Mayor Mike Snider of Port Clinton announced during the ceremony that the Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant funding, which had been temporarily suspended, has now been reinstated. This funding will facilitate the planting of even more trees in the city.
Snider revealed that the city still has about $750,000 of the funding to use within the next two years. “We got word this week that we’re good to go,” he said, indicating that the city will likely see a significant increase in new trees and the removal of dead ones. The city has preliminary plans for the use of these funds, with the first trees set to be planted on Third St. where new waterlines were installed. Before proceeding, Snider said, the city will seek guidance from the tree commission and consult with an ODNR forester.
Ceremony Highlights
The Arbor Day ceremony featured a proclamation from the mayor, declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Port Clinton. The event also included a performance of the National Anthem by local resident Rosemary Schramm, opening and closing prayers led by Deacon Maury Hall from Immaculate Conception Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 1062. Councilmembers of the Port Clinton City Council, Pat Hovis, Beth Gillman, and Carmen Daft, also recited poems during the event.
The event reached its climax with the planting of six trees, one of which was a Celebration Maple. This tree was designated as the Arbor Day tree and according to Chairman Holman, it is expected to reach heights of 40 to 50-feet and can live up to 80 years. He added, “They can live 80 years, and their beauty starts in the spring with the new leaves.”
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