*PORTAGE, Mich.* — The City of Portage celebrated Arbor Day a few days early this year, but the event held special significance for the community.

A large, mature maple tree that had stood on the grounds at Portage City Hall for decades was lost to the May 7, 2024 tornado. Now, during Monday's event, community members planted a new red maple — which is native to Michigan — in its place.

The ceremony brought together students from both Portage Central and Portage Northern high schools, who participated in the tree planting alongside community members. The new maple will serve as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and the city's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

"We got to keep planting if we're going to keep up with the damage that nature does to our trees and the mortality that naturally occurs," Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis said. "So, we're always talking about planting trees and that's what Arbor Day is: just all about tree planting."

The May 2024 tornado caused widespread damage across Portage, downing thousands of trees and impacting the city's natural landscape. Since then, the city has been working to restore the areas affected by the storm.

"This year's tree planting was especially significant," WWMT reported. "Community members planted a new red maple — which is native to Michigan — which will serve as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship."