Arbor Day - A Celebration of Trees
Have you heard of Arbor Day?
Did you know it is a National holiday that is designated on the last Friday in April and observed annually in all 50 states?
Arbor is the Latin word for Tree.
This year, National Arbor Day falls on Friday April 28, 2023.
Arbor Day recognizes the importance of trees. It focuses on the planting and the conservation of trees and the importance of trees to the environment and communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation explains, “While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. A simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty — all for a better tomorrow.”
History of Arbor Day.
Back in the early 1870s, Julius Sterling Morton and his wife purchased 160 acres in Nebraska City and planted a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Morton, also a journalist, became the editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper. His articles provided education on trees and their ecological importance.
In 1872, Morton submitted a proposal to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture to request a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their community. The agriculture board agreed, and “Arbor Day” was born.
April 22 was initially chosen because it fell in the season of ideal weather for planting trees and also in recognition of Morton’s birthday.
But not until 1970 was Arbor Day recognized nationwide. President Nixon included the Arbor Day movement along with his other environmentally friendly actions including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Protection Act, along with creating the Environmental Protection Agency. Although Julius Morton died in 1902, well before the holiday was given a formal day of observance across the country, he is still commemorated in a statue dedicated to the “Father of Arbor Day” in the National Hall of Fame located in Washington DC.
What can you do to celebrate Arbor Day?
Plant a tree, of course! If you are not able to plant one, then there are other ways to celebrate. Go on a hike in the woods or take a walk in your neighborhood. Take notice and appreciate the trees. Maybe try to identify the various trees that you see along the way.
Or attend an Arbor Day celebration in your local area. Our local community of Beaver celebrates Arbor Day each year normally on the last Saturday in April. This year, Beaver’s Celebration will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023 at the Gazebo in Irvine Park. The two hour program hosted by the Beaver Tree Commission will begin at 10am.
Tusca-Ridge Garden Club will participate in Beaver’s Arbor Day celebration. Garden Club members will be handing out packets of native wildflower seeds. We will also have a free raffle for a tree.
We hope that you can join us in the celebration. See you Saturday April at the Gazebo!
For more information on Beaver’s Arbor Day, click on the following link:
Beaver Borough | Celebrate Arbor Day and Plant a Tree! (beaverpa.us)