STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day Tuesday, April 23 with a short tree planting ceremony. The short ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on the North Plaza (Broad Street) of Capitol Square and will culminate with the planting of a Sargent cherry tree. The Ohio Statehouse Arbor Day and Earth Day tree planting is part of an ongoing effort of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) to create a prominent green space for the citizens of Ohio.

Situated on 10 acres in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Ohio Statehouse grounds serve as an unmistakable green oasis in the heart of the capital city. More than 100 plant species are maintained on the grounds; including a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. The grounds continue to serve as a gathering place for the people of Ohio.

"We continue to improve the Capitol Square experience. The citizens of Ohio deserve a beautiful and safe Statehouse to visit," said Richard Finan, Chairman of the Capitol Square Review and Board. "For the past 156 years the Statehouse is where state government in Ohio has operated, and at the Ohio Statehouse all are welcome."

About the Sargent cherry
The Sargent cherry (Prunussargentii rehder) is a deciduous tree found in northern temperate zones reaching 25 to 40 feet tall, with an equal spread. It has a medium to rapid growth rate, with a yellow, orange or red fall color. The single flowers are pink and up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The fruit is red to black purple approximately 0.5 inches in diameter. Although not ornamentally important, the fruit will attract birds.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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