The state of Indiana is celebrating what the governor’s office calls the historic milestone of planting one million trees.
During his State of the State address in 2020, Governor J. Holcomb announced the tree planting initiative.
“Recently, I learned that the Central Indiana Land Trust has committed to planning 1 million trees throughout Indiana to buffer some of our most iconic, natural areas. I’m proud to announce tonight that I’ve directed the Department of Revenue and resources to plant another million trees on top of that, over the next five years,” Holcomb said in 2020.
On Friday, Holcomb took part in the ceremonial planning of what he said was the 1 millionth tree on the Statehouse lawn.
The tree that was planted was a cucumber magnolia, which is native to southern Indiana. A plaque will be installed next to the tree to recognize the achievement of planting one million trees over five years.
Native trees were planted in state forests, state parks, fish and wildlife areas and nature preserves.