Celebrating Arbor Day 2023
In 1872, Julius Sterling Morton became the editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, Nebraska City News, which turned out to be a good platform to share his knowledge of trees. His message about trees resonated with his readers, many of whom recognized the lack of forestation in their communities. On January 7, 1872, Morton proposed a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their local communities. Morton convinced everyone that the day should reflect the appreciation of all trees and “Arbor Day” was born.
Large, low sweeping limbs on a huge white oak tree.
Arbor Day Facts
First Arbor Day was on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska.
It was estimated that 1 million trees were planted during the first Arbor Day.
Within 20 years all states (except Delaware) were involved.
Minnesota was the 4th state to recognize Arbor Day in 1876.
Minnesota celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April, with May being “Arbor Month”.
National recognition came in 1970 along with other important movements to establish The Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act.
Early fall color on a large red maple in Minnesota.
For more ideas and information check out the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org
A hint of the sun peeking through a large maple in early fall in Minnesota.
