Hayes State Park and Oh, These Irish Hills, a community group that supports activities in the Irish Hills region of the state, have partnered to seek tree donations for an Earth Day Celebration at the park.

Bob Kellum, president of Oh These Irish Hills, is heading up efforts to secure trees or donations for tree planting at Hayes State Park for this year's Earth Day celebration. Russ and Tom Elder, owners of Elders Nursery in Cement City, have donated trees and labor for the past few years, and have already promised to donate some trees for this year's event.

"This will be our third year celebrating Earth Day by planting trees," said Jim Knox, Department of Natural Resources park ranger. "We've averaged 10 donated trees each year, but this year we are trying to replace approximately 50 trees that were lost and removed due to disease."

Trees have been donated by individuals and businesses in the past as memorials, in celebration of a new birth, an anniversary or just because someone cared. Once planted, the park will take over the feeding and care of the newly planted trees, but everyone is encouraged to come back and visit their "tree."

"Native trees have a better chance of surviving since they are more resilient," said DNR park supervisor Tim Bauer. "It is important that we practice good stewardship of the land, so we only plant native trees."

Persons wishing to donate a tree, or for a list of trees native to Michigan, contact Bob Kellum at (734) 428-8725 or the park supervisor at (517) 467-7401.

Earth Day 2009 is Wednesday, April 22, and will mark the beginning of the two-year Green Generation Campaign. The tree planting will take place on Saturday, April 25, during Hayes State Park's Earth Day Celebration. Campers and non-campers are encouraged to "GO-Get Outdoors" and join millions in celebrating Earth Day 2009. Bring your own shovels and gloves.

Hayes State Park is located at 1220 Wamplers Lake Rd. in Onsted. For more information about this event, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park at (517) 467-7401 (or TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/hayes.Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling 800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757).

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks this year. Activities are planned throughout the year. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.