Arbor Day was first celebrated in the state of Nebraska in 1872. This Nebraska Arbor Day was set up in response to a state proclamation urging settlers and homesteaders in Nebraska to plant trees to provide "shade, shelter, fruit, fuel and beauty" for residents of the largely treeless plains. On that first Arbor Day, more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska's communities and on its farms.
Arbor Day was first promoted by J. Sterling Morton, at that time the editor of the Nebraska City News. Morton helped push the idea to neighboring states. Later the movement spread to all of the United States and many other nations.
"...let us endeavor then by our words on "Arbor Day" - and all other opportune occasions - to so embellish the world with plant life, trees, flowers and foliage, as to make our earth homes approximate to those which the prophets, poets and seers of all ages have portrayed as the Home in Heaven." J. Sterling Morton
We now celebrate Arbor Day in communities throughout America with a specific date determined by the best tree planting times in each area. Each state's celebration date initiates the signing of a proclamation by local officials and activities related to trees and tree planting. Celebrations are held as early as January and February in some southern states, and as late as May in more northern locations. National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April.
The National Arbor Day Foundation
"We Help People Plant and Care for Trees (tm).. "
State Arbor Day Celebrations
"National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates according to their best tree-planting times."
History of Arbor Day
"The idea for Arbor Day originally came from Nebraska. A visit to Nebraska today wouldn't disclose that the state was once a treeless plain. Yet it was the lack of trees there that led to the founding of Arbor Day in the 1800s."
How to Celebrate Arbor Day
Suggestions on how to celebrate Arbor Day by The National Arbor Day Foundation.
