The Belmont County America 250 Heritage Tree recently was planted at Ohio University Eastern.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Ohio University Eastern was selected as Belmont County’s site for America 250 Heritage Tree planting.

Ohio University Eastern marked a historic milestone recently as representatives from Ohio State University Extension, Belmont County office planted Belmont County’s official America 250 Heritage Tree on campus grounds.

The ceremonial planting, led Friday by the extension office’s Master Gardener volunteers, establishes a native white oak at Ohio University Eastern as part of America 250-Ohio’s statewide Heritage Trees: Planting History initiative.

The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by planting a tree in each of Ohio’s 88 counties throughout 2025 and 2026.

Ohio University Eastern was selected as the Belmont County site following evaluation of multiple locations across the county, with considerations including soil quality, drainage, long-term growth space and public accessibility. The tree will serve as a lasting symbol of history, growth and regional pride.

“Hosting Belmont County’s America 250 Heritage Tree on our campus is both an honor and a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared history,” interim dean of campus and external relations Richard W. Greenlee said. “As we prepare to celebrate 70 years of Ohio University Eastern in 2027, this tree stands as a living symbol of growth, resilience and our continued commitment to serving this region for generations to come.”

“Ohio University Eastern was selected because it offers the right conditions for long-term growth and community impact,” Ohio State University Extension in Belmont County extension educator Dan Lima said. “The site provides full sun, proper drainage, and space for the tree to mature. But just as important, it is accessible to the public and aligned with our mission of education and outreach. This planting is part of a broader statewide effort by Master Gardener volunteers to increase oak presence across Ohio and support long-term forest health.”

The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston, a gathering place for colonists during the Revolutionary War. By planting native white oak trees across the state, the program honors both the nation’s founding and Ohio’s role in shaping its past, present and future.

White oak trees were selected for the initiative because they are native to Ohio, adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and resistant to many common tree diseases. Each tree planted through the program is sourced from reputable Ohio nurseries and chosen to thrive in its local environment.

The planting also comes at a meaningful time for Ohio University Eastern as the campus prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027. The addition of the Heritage Tree reflects both the institution’s history and its continued investment in the future of the region.

Master Gardener volunteers who participated in the planting included Karen Zavatsky, Karen Carpenter, Carol Lepic, MaryAnn Galbreath and Jennifer Griffin.

The Heritage Trees program is made possible through partnerships with organizations including The Dawes Arboretum, Holden Forests & Gardens, Keep Ohio Beautiful and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with support from presenting sponsor Cenovus Energy.

In 2026, the United States will mark its semiquincentennial, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Through initiatives like Heritage Trees, Ohio communities are celebrating this milestone in ways that highlight local heritage, environmental stewardship and shared history.