Lancaster, OH — A ceremonial tree planting will take root in Fairfield 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 semiquincentennial in 2026.
The Heritage Trees program officially kicked off in Lima, on Arbor Day (April 25, 2025), and was the culminating event of eight county tree plantings for Spring 2025.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Fairfield County, the tree will be planted at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster on April 28, 2026. The program will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Grandstand, where community leaders will share remarks about the significance of the Heritage Tree initiative. The Fairgrounds was chosen as the site for the Heritage Tree because of its central location and historical significance to Fairfield County.
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 2025 and 2026, 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.
“The Heritage Tree represents both our history and our future. By planting it at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds, a location that brings together residents from every part of our county, we’re celebrating the legacy of Fairfield County while creating something that future generations will be able to enjoy and reflect on as we mark America’s 250th anniversary,” said Fairfield County Commissioner David Levacy.
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. 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.
About America 250-Ohio
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250
years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250OH Commission is “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.
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Founded in 1800 (three years before Ohio became a State), Fairfield County was the 8th county formed in the Northwest Territory. Today, more than 900 employees serve, connect, and protect the more than 158,000 citizens of Fairfield County, providing high-quality services and outstanding customer service at exceptional value to taxpayers. Fairfield County fosters economic and fiscal sustainability and works to enhance the County’s reputation as a high performing, learning, and caring organization. For more information about the county, its services and employment opportunities, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/
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MEDIA CONTACT: Bennett Niceswanger, bennett.niceswanger@fairfieldcountyohio.gov, 740-652-7090