The City of Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that Vermillion has been named a Tree City USA community for the 41st year. Tree City USA recognizes communities that meet standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and National Association of State Foresters. Vermillion is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to growing and protecting trees throughout the community.
In recognition of the Parks and Recreation Department being awarded Tree City USA status for the 41st time, the Vermillion City Council will read a proclamation reaffirming the City’s commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship.
As a part of April’s tree-focused activities, the Parks and Recreation Department is hosting South Dakota Forester, John Hartland, for a Q&A session about trees in South Dakota. This event will be hosted April 23, 2026, at 12 p.m. in the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company (VCDC) meeting room. The VCDC is located at 2 E. Main St., Suite #101, Vermillion. Community members are encouraged to bring their lunch and join the discussion.
Vermillion will also celebrate Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting on April 24, 2026, at 12 p.m. The planting will take place at Lions Park, 615 Princeton St, Vermillion. Please join us to celebrate Arbor Day.
In continued efforts to encourage tree planting throughout the community, the City of Vermillion will once again offer the ReTree Initiative in 2026. This program provides residents with a rebate of up to $200 for planting a tree on their property. Full details and program requirements can be found on the City of Vermillion website.
For more information about the events in April or general questions, please contact the City of Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department at 605-677-7050, visit www.vermillion.us or follow the Department on social media.
