Athens marks Arbor Day with student volunteers; dozens of trees planted
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Summary
City officials and Ohio University students planted dozens of trees along the bike path and near the new fire station fitness court as part of Arbor Day activities; the mayor said volunteers helped plant roughly 80 trees over two weekends and outlined plans for more plantings next year.
Athens officials and volunteers marked Arbor Day with multiple tree‑planting events around the city, the mayor said during the weekly update.
On site at the new fire station fitness court and adjacent bike path, the mayor said crews and volunteers planted more than 35 trees in the immediate area. He also said the city planted about 50 trees the prior weekend and planted 30‑plus this weekend, putting the season‑to‑date total at roughly 80 trees with substantial help from Ohio University students.
The mayor framed the plantings as efforts to restore tree canopy removed in past rechannelization of the Hocking River and to create shaded public spaces that improve social equity and outdoor comfort. He encouraged students and residents to return in future years to see the long‑term benefits.
City staff did not announce a formal long‑term planting schedule or budget during the update. The mayor said additional plantings are planned next year.