Barkcamp celebrates America’s 250th birthday with tree planting ceremony

BELMONT - A ceremonial tree planting took place Friday morning at Barkcamp State Park in honor of the United States of America’s 250th birthday.

The planting was made possible through Heritage Tree's Planting History program under America 250-Ohio. America 250-Ohio is the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations around America's semiquincentennial.

By the end of 2026, the commission will have planted a tree in all 88 counties of Ohio.

JB Green Team is an affiliate of Heritage Tree, which requested JB Green Team to find a site for the tree. JB Green Team worked with Belmont County Soil and Water and Barkcamp Park to select the location.

On Friday, a white oak tree was planted near the 19th-century barn in the state park.

"We were contacted by Keep Ohio Beautiful earlier this year as Belmont County did not have a Heritage Tree location yet," JB Green Team education coordinator Dorene Unterzuber said. "We reached out to Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation and Barkcamp State Park to find a suitable location. Both organizations were happy to help, and it was decided that the best place would be at Barkcamp."

Barkcamp State Park Manager Jason Carpenter added that the decision for Barkcamp to be the site means a great deal to him.

He said that the park is always looking to improve its green spaces with the help of partners and other stakeholders.

"We'll have folks like JB Green Team and the Belmont Soil and Water helping us out day in and day out," Carpenter said. "We all partner to make green spaces for Belmont County residents and all Ohioans."

Unterzuber added that as a recycler, JB Green Team tries to have its paper and cardboard recycled instead of new trees being used.

"The process of planting a tree, letting it grow, and letting it mature, not only provides shade, and oxygen, but it also beautifies the area," Unterzuber said. "It protects the soil, and it's a house for birds and all kinds of our wildlife too. So it’s very important that we continue to plant and make sure that we have trees to enjoy for the future."

She added that white oak trees were chosen to be planted in all 88 counties by Heritage Trees because they grow in many soil types, resist most tree diseases and are native to Ohio.

Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District program administrator Hannah Ulrich said Carpenter is also the district board's chairperson, so the district believed the project was a perfect way to merge both of his commitments.

“We’re here to support the park and the natural resource efforts that have been put forward in Belmont County. It’s a great resource that we have here," Ulrich said. "We’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday here by planting a white oak. It is native to Belmont County, and it’s a great tree that will hopefully provide shade for many years to come."

The Heritage Trees program is made possible by presenting sponsor Cenovus Energy and supporting sponsors Ohio Liquor and The Lubrizol Foundation.

The program was created in partnership with Dawes Arboretum, Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Holden Forests and Gardens, Keep Ohio Beautiful, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Rowe Arboretum, and Secrest Arboretum.