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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Lorax speaks for the trees, and so do Springfield students.
Around 470 Springfield Public School students across 11 different elementaries participated with this year’s Arbor Day Dedications, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Community Forestry Council, City of Springfield, City of Springfield Tree City USA Committee, City Utilities of Springfield, and Missouri Master Naturalist.
The Queen City fifth graders were a part of a statewide effort to teach the benefits of trees to students. Of the 700 students participating across the state, 578 created their own unique posters for a contest to coincide with MDC’s tree theme for 2026: “Trees work for a healthier me.” The poster contest was judged based on technical merit and artistic prowess.
MDC and partners hosted a tree dedication at several schools in Greene County. Prior to each ceremony, a tree is planted at each school by the City of Springfield and later dedicated to both the teacher and winning student, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
“The posters this year have been simply amazing, and my favorite part of the 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest was seeing 578 on display at the Darr Ag Center last fall,” said MDC’s Community Forester Justin Holmes. “It’s fun to see how the students take the theme and make it their own.”
The weeks of dedications remain a treasured part of Holmes’ work.
“The students have been fantastic, engaged, and attentive this year with the Arbor Day Dedication ceremonies,” he added.
Get information on backyard tree care, including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care.
Missouri forests cover about one-third of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and watersheds for stream and rivers. Spending time in Missouri forests can provide a natural health benefit, too. Exposure to nature contributes to physical well-being, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, relieves stress, and boosts energy. Get more information at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/forest-care.
