The History and Significance of Arbor Day
It’s a known fact that trees are an essential aspect of our environment. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do our most complex yet straightforward biological function – breathing! Although trees are beautiful and plenty, it’s more important than ever that we teach new generations better ways of caring for them and our environment.
You might have heard of Arbor the day before, and are you’re wondering what it’s all about, why we have it, and the significance of this holiday celebrated in April. Today we’ll discuss how important this holiday is to educating people on nature conservation and protecting the environment.
What is Arbor Day?
Arbor Day is a holiday where individuals are encouraged to plant trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
The idea of an arbor day has been traced back to 1872 when a journalist from Nebraska named J. Sterling Morton proposed setting aside a special day for tree planting to the people of Nebraska. Morton also helped start Arbor Day while editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, the Nebraska City News.
In 1872, he put out a call in his paper for everyone in Nebraska to plant trees on April 10th that year. The first observance of Arbor Day was a success; an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska that day.
How Did Arbor Day Become a Holiday?
President Richard Nixon is notoriously known for a few scandals during his presidency. However, he was also big on nature preservation. He took many environmentally friendly actions throughout his term, such as the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and getting Arbor Day observed nationwide.
Although the “Father of Arbor Day” Julius Morton passed away in 1902, he is still celebrated in Washington, D.C, with a statue commemorating him and his role in environmental conservation.
Celebrating Arbor Day
Arbor Day is not a federal holiday. However, educational institutions like schools often mark the day by holding special events. Observance of Arbor Day varies from state to state. However, it is often observed on the last Friday in April in some states. Other states celebrate it on different dates throughout the year based on when they experience optimal planting weather conditions. Some states even have multiple Arbor Days!
Arbor Day: Conclusion
The history and significance of Arbor Day may be lesser known to people of a younger generation. However, plants and trees are still an essential part of today’s world, and we simply don’t give them enough credit for being crucial parts of our everyday lives. For everything trees provide for us, we should thank them every day and never forget their importance to humanity.
At SB Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborist understands how to care for your trees to increase their health and longevity. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and learn more about our tree care services online today!