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Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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. Environmentally friendly concerts? How music superstars are going green 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arbor Day 2025: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees
Arbor Day is April 25, marking a day of hope and appreciation for trees and all that they bring to the environment for those who celebrate. Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska. Trees are renewable resources, or natural but limited energy resources that can be replenished, and Arbor Day is a day created to celebrate them. Arbor Day is also celebrated in other countries such as Barbados, China and the Philippines. In the U.S., it is commonly celebrated on the last Friday of April, but many states observe it on different dates depending on the best planting times in those areas, the Arbor Day Foundation said on its website. Celebrations include tree-planting events and seedling giveaways. Here's how Arbor Day came to be, and how people can get out of the house to celebrate. The holiday dates back to the 1800s, when journalist Julius Sterling Morton moved to Nebraska City, Nebraska with his wife. They moved there in 1854 and bought 160 acres of land, mostly on the flat plains, per The pair planted trees and shrubs, and when Morton became editor of the state's newspaper, Nebraska City News, he stressed just how vital plants and trees were. With rapid settlement and industrialization taking place during the late 19th century, a large amount of forest resources were consumed, according to the Forest Historical Society. The U.S. population tripled, and with each person came the plowing of another three to four acres of land. Morton also joined the Nebraska Board of Agriculture and in January 1872, he had an idea to encourage Nebraskans to plant trees in their communities. It was called "Sylvan Day," a nod to forest trees, and it was officially celebrated on April 10, 1872. Eventually, the day was known as Arbor Day, according to Arbor Day became an official state holiday in Nebraska in 1885, said on its website. Earth Day 2025: Why we celebrate the planet that keeps us grounded, how to get involved Arbor Day is not a federal holiday. However, it was first recognized nationally in 1970 by then-president Richard Nixon. Two years later, on April 24, 1972, Nixon issued a proclamation commemorating 100 years of Arbor Day. He quoted a monument in Nebraska City honoring Morton, who created Arbor Day. "Other Holidays Repose Upon The Past; Arbor Day Proposes For The Future," Nixon wrote in his proclamation. "So it does, for the planting of trees is an action that yields a long-range benefit on generations to come. Arbor Day uniquely symbolizes the truth that the earth belongs to every generation, not just to ours." He proclaimed April 28, 1972 as National Arbor Day and encouraged Americans across the country to celebrate and do what they could to spread the word of "the necessity and value of this elemental natural resource." When Arbor Day was first celebrated in April 1872, children in Nebraska planted more than one million trees, according to the Forest Historical Society. Tree-planting became even more popular among schools in 1882, and children were sent home with trees to plant in their own yards, reported While people of all ages celebrate Arbor Day, some notable children's activities the Arbor Day Foundation suggests include: Organizing nature art shows Baking cookies and cupcakes with tree designs Making green drinks such as bubble tea, milkshakes and iced coffee Planting, hugging, climbing, adopting, or sponsoring trees Getting outside to visit a local park or forest, or clean one up Organizing a nature or tree scavenger hunt Gathering a bag of leaves and trying to identify the species of trees Find out when Arbor Day is celebrated in your state, and which events are happening in your area at Contributing: Julia Gomez Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arbor Day 2025: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees
USA Today
25-04-2025
- General
- USA Today
Arbor Day 2025: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees
Arbor Day 2025: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees Show Caption Hide Caption Arbor Day: What to know about the holiday celebrating trees Arbor Day began in Nebraska in the late 1800s. Here's everything you need to know about the holiday commonly observed the last Friday in April. Arbor Day is April 25, marking a day of hope and appreciation for trees and all that they bring to the environment for those who celebrate. Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska. Trees are renewable resources, or natural but limited energy resources that can be replenished, and Arbor Day is a day created to celebrate them. Arbor Day is also celebrated in other countries such as Barbados, China and the Philippines. In the U.S., it is commonly celebrated on the last Friday of April, but many states observe it on different dates depending on the best planting times in those areas, the Arbor Day Foundation said on its website. Celebrations include tree-planting events and seedling giveaways. Here's how Arbor Day came to be, and how people can get out of the house to celebrate. When did Arbor Day begin? The holiday dates back to the 1800s, when journalist Julius Sterling Morton moved to Nebraska City, Nebraska with his wife. They moved there in 1854 and bought 160 acres of land, mostly on the flat plains, per The pair planted trees and shrubs, and when Morton became editor of the state's newspaper, Nebraska City News, he stressed just how vital plants and trees were. With rapid settlement and industrialization taking place during the late 19th century, a large amount of forest resources were consumed, according to the Forest Historical Society. The U.S. population tripled, and with each person came the plowing of another three to four acres of land. Morton also joined the Nebraska Board of Agriculture and in January 1872, he had an idea to encourage Nebraskans to plant trees in their communities. It was called "Sylvan Day," a nod to forest trees, and it was officially celebrated on April 10, 1872. Eventually, the day was known as Arbor Day, according to Arbor Day became an official state holiday in Nebraska in 1885, said on its website. Earth Day 2025: Why we celebrate the planet that keeps us grounded, how to get involved Is Arbor Day a federal holiday? Arbor Day is not a federal holiday. However, it was first recognized nationally in 1970 by then-president Richard Nixon. Two years later, on April 24, 1972, Nixon issued a proclamation commemorating 100 years of Arbor Day. He quoted a monument in Nebraska City honoring Morton, who created Arbor Day. "Other Holidays Repose Upon The Past; Arbor Day Proposes For The Future," Nixon wrote in his proclamation. "So it does, for the planting of trees is an action that yields a long-range benefit on generations to come. Arbor Day uniquely symbolizes the truth that the earth belongs to every generation, not just to ours." He proclaimed April 28, 1972 as National Arbor Day and encouraged Americans across the country to celebrate and do what they could to spread the word of "the necessity and value of this elemental natural resource." Are there any activities for kids on Arbor Day? When Arbor Day was first celebrated in April 1872, children in Nebraska planted more than one million trees, according to the Forest Historical Society. Tree-planting became even more popular among schools in 1882, and children were sent home with trees to plant in their own yards, reported While people of all ages celebrate Arbor Day, some notable children's activities the Arbor Day Foundation suggests include: Organizing nature art shows Baking cookies and cupcakes with tree designs Making green drinks such as bubble tea, milkshakes and iced coffee Planting, hugging, climbing, adopting, or sponsoring trees Getting outside to visit a local park or forest, or clean one up Organizing a nature or tree scavenger hunt Gathering a bag of leaves and trying to identify the species of trees Find out when Arbor Day is celebrated in your state, and which events are happening in your area at Contributing: Julia Gomez Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
