SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Typically, states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on the best tree planting times in their respective area. Coincidentally, Indiana’s Arbor Day 2025 will fall on the exact same say as the national holiday.

"No matter where you live in the Hoosier State, there’s a tree celebration, planting, giveaway or similar tree-themed event for you to enjoy this month or next," a DNR official said.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the DNR Division of Forestry holds an annual poster contest, and those winners were announced this week.

The first-place winner was Jaxon Cadden, St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Newburgh. In second place was Chase Steele from John H. Castle Elementary School, also in Newburgh. The third-place winner was Anne Rose Worthington from Zionsville Middle School in Zionsville.

“This year's submissions were especially creative, with focuses on a variety of health and well-being aspects,” said DNR Forestry’s Racheal Stenger, who coordinated the contest. “We want to thank all the schools that participated and the teachers who chose to highlight the importance of trees to human and environmental health in their classroom.”

Originally established in 1872, Arbor Day is a day on which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees each year.

Indiana Arbor Day Events by County: