09/03/2026
McArthur, OH (September 3, 2026) — A ceremonial tree planting will take root in Vinton County 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 semi quincentennial in 2026.
Started in 2025 and continuing throughout 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Vinton County, the tree will be planted at the Vinton County Fairgrounds on September 10th, 2026 at 2:00 pm. As times have changed over America’s 250 years and throughout Vinton County’s history, one place has remained a constant - the Vinton County fairgrounds. This community gathering spot across generations showcases the best of our proud agricultural roots, and the Heritage Tree planting will ensure the fairgrounds remain a place of community for generations to come.
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. Sites selected in each county could be a city that acts as the county seat or participates in the Tree City USA program.
White oak trees were chosen as Heritage Trees because they grow in many soil types, resist most tree diseases and are native to Ohio. A specific white oak species will be chosen based on the county climate and purchased from a reputable Ohio tree nursery.
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 & Gardens, Keep Ohio Beautiful, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Rowe Arboretum, and Secrest Arboretum.
