Arbor Day: It's all about the trees

Al Hawson, former District Forester, celebrates trees everyday.

Arbor Day began in 1872, in response to the lack of trees in Nebraska. A pioneer, named J. Sterling Morton, proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called Arbor Day. It is estimated that one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Due to J. Sterling Morton’s initial efforts, Arbor Day is now celebrated in every state and many other countries.

The actual date that Arbor Day is celebrated varies by state according to the best time for tree planting. Washington State celebrates Arbor Day on the second Wednesday in April.

Some people may think that Arbor Day is not very important, but trees benefit our lives in many ways. Trees improve our environment by increasing air and water quality, conserving energy, mitigating storm water and sequestering carbon. Trees increase property values, create wildlife habitat, and add beauty to any property. Arbor Day is one way to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives.

Arbor Day celebrations come in many shapes and sizes. Many communities have tree-planting ceremonies to mark the occasion. Teachers across the nation have lessons that teach students about Arbor Day and the importance of trees. The National Arbor Day Foundation has a national poster contest for fifth graders.

It has been over 130 years since the first Arbor Day. It is more important now than ever that we acknowledge trees and what they do for us by planting and caring for them.

For more information on Arbor Day go to the National Arbor Day Foundation web site: http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm. If you live in Spokane County and would like help with a classroom Arbor Day activity or celebrating Arbor Day in your community, contact Garth Davis at the SCCD: garth-davis@sccd.org or (509) 535-7274.

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