Arbor Day: How a day for planting trees became a national holiday
(WTAJ) — Arbor Day, which directly translates to 'Tree Day' in Latin, takes place every year on the last Friday in April, but how did the day of planting come to be?
Whilst it might not be anyone's favorite holiday, it's always a tough competition when it's against Christmas, it's still celebrated every year by thousands. The holiday encourages people to honor nature and the environment by taking the time to plant a tree. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the act of planting a tree represents the belief that it will bring a better future. It does this by providing clean air, water, and a cooling shade, a habitat for local wildlife, to make healthier communities.
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The holiday origin goes back to the Cornhusker State, which you may know is more commonly called Nebraska. In the 1870s pioneers were making their way across the country, and some were settling in the state. However, most new residents missed the trees they used to see and what they used to provide. Trees worked as windbreakers to keep soil in place. They were also used as fuel, building material and a favorite shady spot on a warm afternoon.
Editor and resident of Nebraska, Julius Sterling Morton, had an even stronger enthusiasm for trees than most and started on a journey. He would go on to become the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, and in 1872, he proposed a tree-planting holiday to the State Board of Agriculture.
The agriculture board agreed, and originally the day was to be called 'Sylvan Day,' referring to the forest. However, Morton argued that the day should celebrate all trees and not just the forest, hence why the day would officially be called Arbor Day.
In 1874, Arbor Day was named a state holiday, and April 22 was selected as the observance date. It was considered an ideal planting date, and it was also Morton's birthdate.
By 1920, over 40 states and territories were celebrating the holiday. The effort was helped in part by to efforts of former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. In 1907, Roosevelt issued an 'Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States,' and Nixon helped it to become recognized nationwide.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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