Arbor Day

Held on 29th April 2022 (Last Friday of April)

What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is a day dedicated towards planting trees by the public in the US. Arbor Day is a state holiday in Nebraska on the last Friday of April. ‘Arbor’ is latin term which means ‘Tree’. In other states of America, Arbor Day dates vary depending on climate and suitable planting season (jan-feb in south and jan-may in north), though the preferred season is ‘Spring’. Arbor Day encourages people to plant trees and look after them. Arbor day was founded and established by an American Editor, named J.S. Morton. Arbor Day Foundation is the biggest non-profit organization in the world, which works towards planting trees. The term ‘Arbor Day’ is mostly popular in the western world, however similar observations are celebrated with different names in different countries all over the world. These are known with different names like - Van Mahotsav in India, Greenery Day in Japan, National Tree Planting Day in Australia, Maple Leaf Day in Canada etc. The dates are usually chosen to coincide with the optimal season for planting or caring for native trees.

Month of observation in other states of U.S.A:

• In January - Florida and Louisiana.
• In February - Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
• In March - Arkansas, Arizona, California, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
• In May - Alaska, Maine, North Dakota and Vermont.
• In November – Hawaii.
• In December - South Carolina.

History of Arbor Day

Julius Sterling Morton, a Nebraska editor who served as President Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture, founded Arbor Day. In 1854, he moved to the state of Nebraska from Detroit. At that time, Nebraska was known as the ‘Great American Desert’, because there were virtually no trees in the area. He and others like him observed that plantation of trees in the region could prevent desertification. In their opinion trees would act as windbreaks to stabilize the soil, provide shade from the sun, provided fuel and building materials. Morton planted many trees around his own home. But he wasn’t satisfied as his efforts needed large scale participation. He encouraged the public and organisations to indulge in tree plantation through his articles and editorials. He became widely known in the region due to his efforts. His plans got a further push when he became the secretary of Nebraska. He used the designation as a platform to spread his message even further.

On January 4, 1872, at a Nebraska State Board of Agriculture meeting, he proposed a holiday to plant trees on April 10, 1872. This was known as ‘Arbor Day’ and prizes were awarded to the counties and individuals who planted the most trees on the day. About 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. As per the Nebraska City News, the day was celebrated with Mass Plantations, Grand Parade and a Speech by Morton. The plantation was done by school students of different grades. Each plant was labelled with details mentioning planters grade, plantation time and the its consequent responsibility. Planting was followed by a parade, composed of about 1000 students form different schools of the locality. The parade congregated at the ‘City Opera House’ where even more people joined the parade. Here Morton, delivered his attentively listened Speech, which was concluded by Song ‘America, sung by the students. The day was a glorious success.

Inspired by this noble observation, other states followed suit and soon it became a tradition in schools all over the country. In 1874, Governor Robert W Furnas officially proclaimed that Arbor Day would be observed on April 10, 1884. In 1885, it became a legal holiday and was moved to April 22, which was Morton's birthday. In 1989 the official state holiday was moved to the last Friday in April. In Nebraska, Arbor Day is now observed on the last Friday in April, which is also when National Arbor Day is observed. Former President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day during his presidency in 1970.

Arbor Day Activities and Events

• People celebrate Arbor Day by organising a wide range of events. As it is a holiday celebrating trees, most of the activities are based around it; encouraging plantation and their care.
• Arbor Day awards are also presented to individuals and organizations across the United States and around the world. These are awarded for outstanding service to trees, forestry or related ecological themes.
• Communal tree planting ceremonies are held at various venues.
• Exhibitions and educational activities promoting tree plantations and its importance to local communities and the planet as a whole are held.
• Fairs promoting techniques, tools and technology related to tree plantation.
• Musical performances and open days in garden centres are organised.
• Proclamations are made by city governments.
• Schools plan lessons around the theme of trees. Arbor Day activities in school consists of essay writing contests, bulletin board display, visit to local park, forest, Arbor Day poem writing competition etc.

Symbols - Arbor Day is symbolized by the trees that are planted on the day or as a result of fund-raising activities. The official Arbor Day logo shows a mature deciduous tree and the words "celebrate Arbor Day". The symbol of the Arbor Day Foundation is a similar tree in a circle, symbolizing the importance of trees to the whole planet. Local initiatives may use their state tree as a symbol.

Holiday Status – It is a National Holiday in U.S.A. Holiday in other parts of the world is dependent on government's decision.