Arbor Day is an observance dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, and planting of trees. On Arbor Day, community groups may sponsor such activities as the planting of new trees, the cleanup of a park or natural area, nature walks, or fairs to educate the public on issues important to preserving forests. Drives to recycle paper, and hence save trees may also be held.

The Arbor Day observance is attributed to John Sterling Morton, a pioneer who moved to Nebraska in 1854. Morton realized that the Nebraska plains needed trees to provide shade, act as windbreaks, reduce snowdrifts, provide fuel, and to provide building materials. He began to plant trees, and encouraged other pioneers to do the same. Morton became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper, where he continued his crusade to encourage the planting of trees.

The first Arbor Day observance was held on April 10, 1872 and sponsored by the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. In 1885, Arbor Day was made a legal holiday in Nebraska. To honor Morton, the holiday's founder, the date was moved to April 22, Morton's birthday. By 1907, every state in the US had adopted Arbor Day as a holiday. In 1972, President Richard Nixon declared the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day.

Some states observe State Arbor Days, which are on the best tree planting day for their climate:

Most states and territories, however, observe Arbor Day on the last Friday in April.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances