President Ono and Mayor Taylor use shovels to add last bit of mulch to a newly planted white pine tree
person kneeling down to plant pine tree
small newly planted pine tree
four people standing in a mulch pile shoveling it into wheelbarrows
Tony Kolenic gives speech outside
President Santa Ono gives speech outside
Ann Arbor Mayor Taylor gives speech outside

On September 4, staff members from the City of Ann Arbor and Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) came together to plant 43 new seedlings in Nichols Arboretum. This collaborative effort symbolized not only the physical renewal of the Arboretum's landscape but also the strength and unity of partnerships dedicated to a sustainable future. The event coincided with Ann Arbor's bicentennial celebration and was attended by University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono and Mayor Christopher Taylor.

Standing next to a newly planted white pine tree, MBGNA Director Tony Kolenic addressed an audience of staff, volunteers, and community members. He thanked everyone for coming together and emphasized that the event was about more than just planting trees; it was about partnerships and looking forward to growing a greener, more sustainable future.

Kolenic recounted the storm that struck the Arb a year ago, toppling over 150 mature trees. While this loss was deeply felt, it also presented a unique opportunity for strategic, sustainable renewal and growth. The storm had opened gaps in the canopy, allowing new light to nourish the forest floor and create an ideal environment for the next generation of trees.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Taylor and the city team for their unwavering support, especially during Ann Arbor's bicentennial year. He also recognized his colleagues at MBGNA and University leadership, including President Ono, for their commitment to sustainability and experiential learning.

Mayor Taylor echoed these sentiments in his remarks, reflecting on the city's rich 200-year history and its future aspirations. "As we think of the trees that fell across this site last year and the loss of all those concentric rings of history on the landscape and within our community, I challenge you also to think of the trees planted today–and the concentric circles of positive change we’ll grow together through the decades and centuries ahead,” he said. President Ono also shared his insights, underscoring the University's dedication to sustainability and its continued partnership with the city of Ann Arbor.

The newly planted trees may take years to reach their full size, but the seedlings planted today promise a future filled with growth, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

In the words of Director Tony Kolenic, "We’re not just building a more sustainable future today; we’re planting one. Together, we are building the next chapter of the Arboretum–one filled with promise, resilience, and a deep commitment to our environment and each other."

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