NDSU hosts ceremonial tree planting ahead of annual Trees Bowl game

North Dakota State University, the North Dakota Forest Service and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library came together Saturday morning for a ceremonial tree planting celebrating conservation, community stewardship and the enduring legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The event took place east of the Loftsgard Building ahead of Trees Bowl, NDSU's first home football game of the season and the annual forestry-themed tradition sponsored by the North Dakota Forest Service. NDSU President Marshall Stewart joined State Forester Thomas Claeys, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Executive Director Robbie Lauf and President Theodore Roosevelt for the planting of an oak tree.

"The North Dakota Forest Service serves communities across our state every day through education, conservation and stewardship," said Stewart. "As part of NDSU, it reflects the real-world impact of our land-grant mission. Trees Bowl is a unique tradition that brings people together through Bison football while highlighting the importance of caring for the natural resources that strengthen our communities."

Roosevelt also addressed those gathered, reflecting on the connection between conservation and civic responsibility.

"The planting of this tree is a declaration of faith in the future, and I'm proud to be a part of that future today," Roosevelt said. "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, may we also remember that patriotism includes caring for the land that sustains us."

Established in 1990, Trees Bowl highlights the importance of forestry and conservation while recognizing individuals, organizations and agencies that contribute to those efforts across North Dakota. Award recipients were honored during a luncheon and recognized on the field during halftime activities.

"We hope everyone attending Trees Bowl is inspired to plant and care for trees in their own communities," Claeys said. "This tradition helps raise awareness of the important role trees play in our state, while celebrating the people and organizations that help protect and enhance North Dakota's natural resources."

The event also recognized the recent opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. The 96,000-square-foot facility celebrates Roosevelt's conservation legacy while incorporating sustainable design and interactive exhibits that connect visitors to his life and ideas.

NDSU students contributed to the project during its development. Landscape architecture students helped support the library's living green roof by collecting native Canadian wild rye seed used among more than 130,000 native plants designed to provide habitat for pollinators, birds and small mammals.

"As an NDSU alumnus and executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, it's especially meaningful to take part in today's celebration," Lauf said. "Planting a tree is a simple act that reflects the values we hope to inspire through the library: stewardship, education and investment in future generations. It's a fitting way to honor Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and the partnerships that make events like this possible."

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