The white oak tree was planted in Lake View Cemetery as part of the America 250 celebration

Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia, Press Secretary
216-250-5863 | jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – A ceremonial tree planting took root in Cuyahoga County today as part of the Heritage Trees: Planting History program under America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio's celebrations and commemorations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

The Heritage Trees program officially kicked off in Lima, on Arbor Day 2025, and will ensure the planting of a commemorative tree in communities across the state.

Started in 2025 and continuing throughout 2026, Heritage Trees will be planted in all 88 of Ohio’s counties. In Cuyahoga County, the tree has been planted in Lake View Cemetery. Lakeview Cemetery was chosen as the site for the Heritage Tree because it is the final resting place of generations of civic, military, and community leaders whose lives reflect Cuyahoga County’s role in the American story. 

The Heritage Trees initiative draws inspiration from the historic Liberty Tree in Boston during the Revolutionary War period. The Heritage Trees program aims to commemorate America’s 250^th anniversary by planting native-to-Ohio white oak trees across the state. Throughout the celebration, America 250-Ohio will offer each Ohio county a white oak tree in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Sites selected in each county could be a city that acts as the county seat or participates in the Tree City USA program.  

“Lake View Cemetery is a fitting place for Cuyahoga County’s Heritage Tree because it connects generations of our community and preserves the stories of so many people who helped to shape our region,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “As we commemorate America’s 250^th anniversary, this tree will serve as a living reminder of our history and of our responsibility to the generations that will follow us.”

White oak trees were chosen as Heritage Trees because they grow in many soil types, resist most tree diseases and are native to Ohio. A specific white oak species will be chosen based on the county climate and purchased from a reputable Ohio tree nursery. 

The Heritage Trees program is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Cenovus Energy and Supporting Sponsors Ohio Liquor and The Lubrizol Foundation. The program was created in partnership with Dawes Arboretum, Cox Arboretum MetroPark, Holden Forests & Gardens, Keep Ohio Beautiful, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Rowe Arboretum, and Secrest Arboretum.

About Cuyahoga County 

Cuyahoga County is home to 1.2 million people, spans 459.8 square miles, and is comprised of 59 unique and distinctive communities. Situated along the shores of Lake Erie, the County is also home to 18 reservations that collectively make up the Cleveland Metroparks. Cuyahoga County boasts a dynamic economic environment that supports invention and innovation, along with a rich cultural landscape featuring world-class civic institutions, hospitals, libraries, museums, and the renowned Cleveland Orchestra. More information about Cuyahoga County can be found at cuyahogacounty.gov. 

About America 250-Ohio

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.

Photo gallery of the event, courtesy Cuyahoga County Communications.