President Plants Tree at White House in Honor of Arbor Day

President Plants Tree at White House in Honor of Arbor Day North Lawn 1:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Glad you all are here. Ready, Mr. Secretary?

SECRETARY JOHANNS: I'm ready.

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I'm honored -- we're honored to be here with the Secretary of Agriculture, as well as Marshal Case, who is head of the American Chestnut Foundation. We are planting an American chestnut tree here at the White House. This is the 133rd year of Arbor Day. Our message is to our fellow citizens, plant trees -- it's good for the economy and it's good for the environment.

As well, Marshal informs me that the American Chestnut Foundation has worked very closely with the Agriculture Department to coming up with a disease-resistant strain of the American chestnut. And he says we're making good progress, and that one day the American chestnut, which had been wiped out by blight, will be coming back. And this is our little part to help it come back.

So, Mr. Secretary, are you prepared?

SECRETARY JOHANNS: I am ready. Let's --

THE PRESIDENT: A man known for shoveling a lot of things. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY JOHANNS: Exactly.

THE PRESIDENT: Ready to go?

SECRETARY JOHANNS: Yes, I am ready.

THE PRESIDENT: All right, let's do it.

END 1:02 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 29, 2005