City of Moscow and University of Idaho to Host Annual Arbor Day Tree-Planting Ceremony on April 24
MOSCOW, Idaho — The City of Moscow, the Moscow Tree Commission, and the University of Idaho are joining forces to celebrate Arbor Day with a public tree-planting ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Guy Wicks Field Student Pollinator Garden on the University of Idaho campus.
The ceremony is free, kid-friendly, and open to all members of the public. Organizers will plant a cascara tree in the pollinator garden as part of the annual observance, continuing a tradition that reflects Moscow’s commitment to maintaining a healthy urban forest for residents and future generations.
Where to Go and What to Expect
The Guy Wicks Field Student Pollinator Garden is located on the west side of the University of Idaho campus, situated west of the Student Recreation Center along the pathway near Stadium Drive. Attendees can park in Lot 62 off Stadium Drive for convenient access to the event.
In addition to the ceremonial tree planting, free seedlings will be distributed to attendees while supplies last. Available seedling varieties include ocean spray, serviceberry, red oak, and catalpa trees — a selection that offers residents a hands-on opportunity to extend Arbor Day’s spirit of stewardship into their own yards and neighborhoods.
The event underscores a broader collaborative effort among the city, its appointed Tree Commission, and the University of Idaho to invest in Moscow’s community forestry program. That program is designed to support an urban forest that is safe, healthy, and visually appealing for all who live and work in Latah County.
A Tradition Rooted in Community Stewardship
Arbor Day is recognized worldwide as a celebration of the vital role trees play in environmental health, community livability, and quality of life. In Moscow, the annual observance has long served as a reminder of the value residents place on green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and the natural character of the Palouse region.
The partnership between the City of Moscow and the University of Idaho reflects the kind of community-university collaboration that benefits both longtime residents and the thousands of students who call Moscow home each academic year. By siting the ceremony at the on-campus pollinator garden, organizers also highlight the importance of habitat diversity and native plantings for local wildlife.
Moscow residents interested in learning more about the city’s ongoing Community Forestry Program are encouraged to visit the City of Moscow’s official website for resources, planting guides, and information on how to get involved beyond Arbor Day.
The free seedling giveaway makes this event a particularly practical opportunity for homeowners and families looking to add trees to their property at no cost. Given that supplies are limited, organizers suggest arriving early to take advantage of the available varieties.
Moscow has continued to find creative ways to engage residents in community beautification efforts. Earlier this year, the City of Moscow invited public submissions for storm drain murals, another initiative aimed at blending civic pride with environmental awareness across the city’s public spaces.
Events like the Arbor Day ceremony also reflect the city’s broader investment in outdoor spaces where families can gather — a priority that resonates with residents who value Moscow’s small-town character and the strong sense of community that defines life in Latah County.
What Comes Next
The Arbor Day ceremony takes place Friday, April 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Guy Wicks Field Student Pollinator Garden on the University of Idaho campus. Parking is available in Lot 62 off Stadium Drive. Admission is free, and seedlings will be distributed at no charge while supplies last. Residents seeking additional information about Moscow’s Community Forestry Program can visit the City of Moscow’s website at ci.moscow.id.us. For more Idaho community news, visit Idaho News.