Paulding County Plants Heritage Tree to Mark America 250 Celebration

PAULDING – Paulding County officially joined Ohio’s America 250 celebration with the planting of its Heritage Tree on the courthouse lawn on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The event brought together Paulding FFA Chapter officers, Paulding County Commissioners, and community leaders as they planted a white oak tree—part of a statewide initiative to place one Heritage Tree in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. The program honors Ohio’s role in the nation’s founding while encouraging communities to preserve their local history and invest in future generations.

Anna Gurney of the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District played a key role in coordinating the planting and organizing the ceremony, helping ensure the event reflected both the county’s heritage and its forward-looking spirit.

A highlight of the ceremony was the soil presentation conducted by FFA students. Soil collected from meaningful locations across Paulding County—including farms, schools, parks, and other significant sites—was brought together and poured at the base of the newly planted tree. The act symbolized the county’s shared roots and its continued growth into the future.

The white oak, designated as Paulding County’s Heritage Tree, stands as a lasting tribute to the community’s past, present, and future. The planting marks the beginning of local efforts to commemorate America 250, with additional events, celebrations, and projects expected to take place throughout the coming months.