What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day (USA) is usually held on the last Friday in April, and commemorates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees. In 1872, Julius Morton, a journalist, recognized a large dearth of forests around his Nebraskan village, and wanted to encourage more residents to celebrate nature. As a result, Arbor Day was created to remind citizens of the joys and benefits of planting and maintaining trees, and the movement spread across the nation. Due to the assistance of Birdsey Northrop, Arbor Day is now celebrated around the world!

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Trees are beneficial to the environment for an array of reasons, not the least of which is how they produce oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide. This makes them effective carbon sinks, as they sequester double the amount of carbon than they themselves emit. In order to increase their benefits, trees must not be planted in snowy or arid regions, and instead should be matched with a climate that is suitable for them.

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Furthermore, trees offer other advantages-- their root systems prevent soil erosion. This in turn filters pollutants from the soil while simultaneously reducing flooding and limiting the amount of sediment that can pollute nearby water sources. Trees and their canopies also effectively cool down the surrounding environment to mitigate hotter conditions. Additionally, native species of trees encourage habitation for fauna like pollinators, helping to achieve a sustainable ecosystem.

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Trees can foster a healthier environment for folks while encouraging camaraderie between peoples. Planting trees provides an opportunity for community members to take pride in where they live while also forming friendships. Check in your city for any ongoing events! If you are unable to plant trees this year, you can still participate in Arbor Day festivities by maintaining any plants you may have, going for a walk in the park, or by learning something new about current environmental issues! For further reading, check out the hyperlinked articles.