Three young eco-champions have taken root as the victors of the Arbor Day Poster Contest, Mankato officials announced. The city's celebration of trees and environmental stewardship culminated with first-place winners—Emma, Violet, and Jon—getting their hands dirty for a good cause. Each of the trio planted a tree in a local park, with plantings taking place in West Mankato Park, F.A. Buscher Park and Sibley Park, according to the City of Mankato, Minnesota Government.

The young winners didn't only gain recognition; their efforts are set to provide tangible environmental benefits. The trees planted will mature to clean the air, protect local waters, support pollinators, and offer shelter to wildlife, as per the City of Mankato, Minnesota Government. The full roster of winners and additional details can be found on the city's official page, which highlights the broader ambitions behind the contest—to foster a greener, more sustainable community.

Arbor Day, traditionally celebrated by planting trees, has become an embodied call in Mankato for residents young and old to engage actively with their environment. Emma, Violet, and Jon have been spotlighted not just for their artistic talents, which won them the contest, but more so for their willingness to step into the soil and leave a living, breathing legacy.