“Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future.” -J. Sterling Morton
The idea of setting aside a day to plant trees was first proposed on April 10, 1872 by Nebraska City News editor, J. Sterling Morton. He and his wife moved from Michigan to Nebraska, where he was quickly shocked to find the land devoid of trees. He wanted to devote a day to planting trees and caring for the environment. In 1885, Nebraska declared Sterling’s birthday, April 22nd as Arbor Day. National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April.
So, this is the day to celebrate the trees and what they provide for us. Grab a few friends and plant a tree today!
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(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)
Source:
Arbor Day history. (n.d.). The Morton Arboretum. Retrieved from https://www.mortonarb.org/visit-explore/about-arboretum/mission-and-history/arbor-day-history.