National Arbor Day

Background

In 1872 on April 10, his idea to set aside a day for planting and calling attention to trees became the first Arbor Day, when it is said that Nebraskans planted one million trees. The birthplace of Arbor Day was Nebraska City, where the Mortons lived in their home called Arbor Lodge.

History

Arbor Day had its beginnings in an area not always associated with trees or forests—the Great Plains. J. Sterling Morton (1832-1902) and his wife Caroline Joy French moved in 1854 from Michigan to the newly formed Nebraska Territory, a land devoid of trees. He endeavoured to encourage tree-planting to improve the environment and beautify the landscape to attract settlers to the area, which became a state in 1867. He carried out his work through a succession of literary, agricultural, and political positions and activities, initially as editor of Nebraska City News.

In 1872 on April 10, his idea to set aside a day for planting and calling attention to trees became the first Arbor Day, when it is said that Nebraskans planted one million trees. The birthplace of Arbor Day was Nebraska City, where the Mortons lived in their home called Arbor Lodge. In 1885, Nebraska declared J. Sterling Morton\’s birthday, April 22, as Arbor Day. Eventually, J. Sterling Morton served as U. S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland from 1893 to 1897.

How to Celebrate

Celebrate Arbor Day in a personal way by planting a tree yourself. It is an act of optimism and kindness, a labour of love and a commitment to stewardship. Read a book about trees. Learn to identify trees in your yard and neighbourhood. National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree-planting times in their area. Check the map below to find out when your state observes Arbor Day.

Theme 2020

Arbor Day 2020 occurs this year on Friday, April 24. Dedicate a tree to someone who is special to you, and check out these facts about Arbor Day and the man who founded it. “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.”

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