The University of Oklahoma will celebrate Arbor Day with a picnic and tree planting on the Norman campus Thursday, March 28. The OU Jazz Combo will play prior to the program.

Members of the university and surrounding communities are invited to participate in the free, public picnic, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. with the program at noon at David A. Burr Park, 1501 Asp Ave. A tree planting will follow on the grounds of the Duck Pond.

During the picnic, President David Boren will talk about the importance of Arbor Day and the tradition of tree planting at OU. As part of the festivities, OU staff members will be recognized for their contributions, and campus organizations will be honored by First Lady Molly Shi Boren for maintenance of their “adopted” areas. 

OU first recognized Arbor Week in 1997 with the dedication of David A. Burr Park, honoring the late vice president for university affairs. Oklahoma celebrates Arbor Week earlier than some communities nationwide because of different planting times. This year, National Arbor Day is April 26, while Oklahoma’s Arbor Week is March 24 to 30. 

To volunteer for the tree planting, contact Volunteer Programs at (405) 325-2340. For more information or accommodations on the basis of disability, call the Office of Public Affairs at (405) 325-3784.