EXCITING NEWS!

April 17, 2026, at 10AM

We are thrilled to announce that a ceremonial tree planting will take root in Celina as part of the Heritage Trees: Planting History program under America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations around America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston during the Revolutionary War period. The Heritage Trees program aims to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by planting native-to-Ohio white oak trees across the state. Throughout the celebration, America 250-Ohio will offer each Ohio county a white oak tree in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Started in 2025 and continuing throughout 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Mercer County, the tree will be planted at the Mercer County Courthouse on Friday, April 17 at 10 o’clock in the morning. The tree will be planted on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn.

Cait Clark, the director of the Mercer County Historical Society, will be in attendance to answer questions and to announce the museum’s latest upcoming project to celebrate 250 years of American Independence. Mayor Jeff Hazel and the Mercer County Commissioners will also be in attendance, among other members of the Mercer County community. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this historic commemoration.

Why Plant a White Oak?

A white oak was chosen by the Heritage Trees working team as they grow in many soil types, resist most tree diseases and many species are native to Ohio. A specific white oak species will be chosen by each county based on the county climate and purchased from a reputable Ohio tree nursery. As they grow, these trees will stand as a testament to Ohio’s commitment to conservation.

America 250-Ohio will plant a white oak tree in all of Ohio’s 88 counties to honor our state’s role in the nation’s founding and commemorate the history of the location where it’s planted. By planting these trees in meaningful locations, Ohioans are actively preserving their local heritage while contributing to environmental sustainability.