Courtesy Photo A small group of smiling women in Happy Little T-shirts, bike helmets and sunglasses take a break during the Happy Little 5K in this photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

On paved pathways and wooded trails, in pairs and in groups, they showed up to run, walk, and roll. Some wore wigs or carried paintbrushes and easels, honoring iconic art instructor and television host Bob Ross while supporting tree-planting and forest-protection efforts.

More than 10,000 people, in Michigan and across a dozen other states, participated in this spring’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K. Registrants picked their pace and place – anywhere outdoors – for this DNR virtual event that was held during the week of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 25).

This year, three additional states – Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee – joined the program that began in Michigan in 2019 as a collaboration between the DNR and Bob Ross Inc. Other participating states include Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Participants, who each received a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, commemorative bib, and finisher’s medal, selected their preferred state to support with their registration.

The 2025 event brought in a total of more than $200,000 for tree-planting and forest-protection efforts, with each state receiving a portion based on their participant numbers. Event proceeds included nearly $40,000 in donations; when signing up, registrants could elect to donate beyond the price of their race entry, with these funds also going toward forest-health protection efforts.

“I’m incredibly proud of how the Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K has grown from its roots here in Michigan to now supporting forest health in 13 states across the country,” said Michelle O’Kelly, race director and fund and resource developer for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “What started as a creative way to connect people with nature has become a powerful force for conservation, and it’s inspiring to see so many stepping up – virtually and literally – for our forests.”

In Michigan, funds raised support the purchase of native trees and shrubs, seed collection and forest canopy protection within state parks. Visitors to state parks where trees have been planted will see bright green “Happy Little Trees Ahead” signs to note the program’s important contributions.

Happy Little 5K is part of the DNR’s tree-planting program, which has produced more than 100,000 native plants, shrubs and trees since its start in 2004. With support from the Bob Ross partnership, more than 2,100 trees have been planted in 20 state parks across Michigan.

Registration for the 2026 Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K will open this fall. Watch the registration site for more details.

Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at 517-899-5211.