April 8, 2026

Media Contact: Brea Cunningham, Director of Marketing & Communications
E-mail: bcunningham@minnetrista.net
Tel: 765.287.3525

Muncie, IN—There’s something special about planting a tree—the quiet promise that what you start today will grow and give back for years to come. Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites the community to be part of that tradition during the Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Held at Minnetrista’s Center Building, this free community event brings together Minnetrista, Muncie’s Urban Forestry Committee, and local partners for a morning rooted in learning, creativity, and connection to the natural world.

This year marks Muncie’s 28th year as a recognized Tree City USA community, a milestone that reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and urban forestry. To celebrate, the event will feature a variety of engaging activities, educational demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with nature. At 10:30 a.m., Mayor Dan Ridenour will read the official Arbor Day proclamation.

At the heart of the celebration is the annual sapling giveaway, offering guests the opportunity to take home and plant their own tree. This year’s selection includes elderberry, pawpaw, redbud, bald cypress, black oak, scarlet oak, sweetgum, white pine, cherrybark oak, sycamore, and tuliptree—providing a diverse range of species suited to a variety of landscapes and growing conditions.

Throughout the event, guests can take part in tree and sapling planting demonstrations, gaining practical, easy-to-follow guidance on proper planting and long-term care. Families and children are invited to explore hands-on craft stations, designed to spark creativity while encouraging environmental awareness.

Whether you’re looking for advice on choosing the right tree, guidance on how to plant it, or simply a meaningful way to spend time outdoors, the Muncie Arbor Day Celebration offers something for everyone. Attendees can also enter a free raffle featuring trees, gardening tools, and other nature-inspired prizes.

“There’s something powerful about putting a tree in the ground yourself,” said James Edwards, Director of Horticulture at Minnetrista. “We want people to leave not just with asapling, but with the knowledge and confidence to help it thrive.” A wide selection of saplings will be available, though some varieties may go quickly. Arriving early offers the best chance to choose your preferred tree.

For more information, visit minnetrista.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information on our exhibitions and events.

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is your year-round gathering place! Born out of the Ball family legacy, Minnetrista connects people, encourages engagement, and improves our community. There is always something new to discover at Minnetrista—from beautiful gardens and unique events to interactive exhibitions and engaging workshops. Whether you’re exploring local history, enjoying hands-on activities, or discovering new art, every adventure is fun, educational, and inspiring. Minnetrista is a place where learning and creativity come together, offering something for everyone to enjoy. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.

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