This year’s Arbor Day falls on April 25th. Celebrate by planting a tree! Trees provide shade, beauty, clean air and water, and wildlife habitat. They’re the foundations of many of our parks, neighborhoods, and recreation areas. By planting trees today, you’re helping build healthier, more vibrant communities for many generations to come.
A Brief History of Arbor Day
The first Arbor Day celebration was on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. On this inaugural day, one single person is said to have planted 35,000 trees and the overall number of trees planted was said to reach 1 million. As news spread of the planting initiative, Arbor Day was soon celebrated all around the country as well as internationally.
The founder of Arbor Day, Julius Sterling Morton, believed that trees contributed to society and made children and communities healthier. After moving to Nebraska from more wooded Michigan, Morton advocated for tree planting across the Nebraska prairie. He planted huge numbers of trees on his own acreage, which became the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in the 1920s. He eventually became Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland.
While we now know that prairies are of significant ecological importance and do not need to be converted into woods to be beautiful and useful, we can still celebrate the spirit of Arbor Day! We can plant trees to shade and cool our homes, decrease the effect of urban heat islands, and restore formerly wooded areas. Choosing the right tree for the right place is a fantastic way to honor their contribution to our environment and ensure their longevity.
Arbor Day is About the Future
“Other holidays repose upon the past. Arbor Day proposes for the future.” – J. Sterling Morton
A wonderful thing about the Arbor Day celebration is that it is forward-looking. What greater investment in the future than planting a tree? Popular practice includes planting trees in honor of loved ones and dedicating trees to special people. This kind of memorial planting unites the past, present, and future, tying us all together in the growth of that tree.
If you can’t plant a tree for Arbor Day, why not get out and enjoy some wooded areas and parks? Go on a hike or walk and marvel at the majesty of mature trees and the many organisms that depend on them. Along with planting trees, appreciating and protecting forests and woods is a critical piece of investing in the future and honoring the spirit of Arbor Day.
Ready to plant? We’re here to help you find the perfect tree for Arbor Day. Whether you’re an old pro that’s planted millions of trees or you need some resources to get you started, we’ve got you covered. Our handy planting instructions are available on our website and we include them with every purchase. We’re also here to help with any questions you might have about follow-up care. Happy planting!
