Parkersburg Celebrates Arbor Day with New Park Plantings

The city's Tree Commission plans tree-planting ceremony and community events to maintain Tree City USA status.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic tree repeated in a grid pattern, using a bold, neon color palette and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday object into a modern pop art piece.Parkersburg's annual Arbor Day celebration showcases the city's commitment to maintaining its urban forest and promoting environmental sustainability.Parkersburg Today

The Parkersburg Tree Commission will host an Arbor Day ceremony on Friday to mark the annual holiday and continue the city's 25-year designation as a Tree City USA. In addition to the annual tree planting, the commission has received a grant to fund the planting of over 50 new trees in parks across the city this year.

Why it matters

As a Tree City USA, Parkersburg is committed to maintaining and expanding its urban forest, which provides environmental and aesthetic benefits to the community. The Arbor Day ceremony and new plantings demonstrate the city's ongoing efforts to preserve its green spaces and promote sustainability.

The details

To maintain its Tree City USA status, Parkersburg must plant at least one tree each year in observance of Arbor Day. This year, the Tree Commission has also received a Demonstration City Grant from the West Virginia State Division of Forestry that will fund the planting of more than 50 new trees in parks across the city.

  • The Arbor Day ceremony is scheduled for noon on Friday, April 25, 2026.
  • Parkersburg has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the past 25 years.

The players

Parkersburg Tree Commission

A local government organization responsible for maintaining and expanding the city's urban forest.

Wendy Tuck

A member of the Parkersburg Tree Commission who provided details about the upcoming Arbor Day events and the city's Tree City USA designation.

West Virginia State Division of Forestry

A state agency that provided a Demonstration City Grant to fund the planting of over 50 new trees in Parkersburg's parks.

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What they’re saying

“We know that trees are absolutely fantastic for shade, for clean air and oxygen, for just beauty. And the tree commission is really committed to making sure that we maintain the trees that are on public property and that we also promote the growth and care and planning so that we have the right kind of trees, the right place, and that we take care of them.”

— Wendy Tuck, Tree Commission member

What’s next

The Parkersburg Tree Commission encourages residents to watch for future community events and opportunities to get involved in supporting the city's tree-planting and beautification efforts.

The takeaway

Parkersburg's commitment to maintaining its Tree City USA status and expanding its urban forest demonstrates the city's dedication to environmental sustainability and community beautification. The Arbor Day ceremony and new park plantings are part of the city's ongoing efforts to preserve its green spaces and promote a healthy, vibrant community.