TOLEDO, Ohio — City of Toledo officials, community partners and students from Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Boys came together on Friday to plant trees in honor of Arbor Day. 

The students engaged in outdoor learning, hands-on fun and environmental education. 

In total, the group planted 11 new trees at the city's new Smith Park.

“This event was not only about planting trees but about planting seeds for a greener future," Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said. "Our city is growing, and it’s inspiring to see young people take part in shaping a healthier, more vibrant Toledo."

There were a slew of activites around the park, including a mindfulness walk, an insect detective scavenger hunt as well as lessons on how trees support widlife and improve communities. 

"Arbor Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of our urban forest," Sara Stacy, commissioner of Urban Beautification, said. "Today’s event helped foster a connection with nature while teaching students the value of the environment."

The event gave an emphasis to how vital trees are in ecosystems and the importance of soil and plants in preventing erosion, the city said.