Celebrate Arbor Day

While other holidays look past, Arbor Day looks to the future! You can observe and celebrate this day in many ways, but the best way is to plant a tree. You can join us for our annual tree planting event (see section below) or learn from home by following this video.

But there are many other ways to celebrate, too! For plenty of other Arbor Day Activities, visit our Arbor Day Activities page.

Annual Tree Planting Event 2026

When: Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m.

Where: South Lotus Lake Park (7610 S Shore Dr.)

For more than 20 years, Chanhassen's annual Arbor Day event has brought the community together to enhance our parks by increasing species diversity, expanding the tree canopy, and beautifying shared green spaces. This year, volunteers will plant 20 trees representing eight different species throughout the park.

Why celebrate? Arbor Day is a tradition that began in 1872 in Nebraska and Minnesota adopted the tradition a few years later in 1876. Minnesota recognizes Arbor Day on the last Friday in April and Arbor Month in May. The City of Chanhassen celebrates this tradition by planting trees at a Chanhassen Park each year.

We invite you to join the City of Chanhassen and the Environmental Commission at South Lotus Lake Park for the 2026 Arbor Day tree planting! The city will provide gloves and shovels, though you’re welcome to bring your own. Enjoy refreshments and family-friendly activities—no pre-registration required! We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

What the day will look like:

Enjoy refreshments and snacks in the gazebo as we gather and wait for volunteers to arrive. Around 9 a.m., we’ll head to the planting site for a brief demonstration, then volunteers will break into groups to plant trees throughout the park. After each tree is planted, volunteers will place a watering device and add a layer of mulch.

Once the planting is finished, feel free to stick around for more refreshments and snacks. You can also join in on making milkweed seed bombs or have fun playing catch with frisbees provided on site!

Past Tree Planting Events

• 2025 - Roundhouse Park 
• 2024 - Meadow Green Park 
• 2023 - Bandimere Park
• 2022 - Curry Farms Park