10 Arbor Day Facts
The first US Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, after being proposed by the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, J. Sterling Morton.
1). The first US Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, after being proposed by the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, J. Sterling Morton.
2). By 1920, over 45 US states were observing Arbor Day.
3). The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday. The nonprofit conservation group distributes over 10 million trees every year.
4). Arbor Day was almost called Sylvan Day, coming from the Latin word “Silva,” meaning “of the forest” or “woodland.” J. Sterling Morton decided against this name because he wanted to include all types of trees, not just forest trees.
5). It’s estimated that over 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
6). In the US, Arbor Day is often observed on the last Friday in April, though many states celebrate on different dates to line up with the best tree-planting times. For example, some states in the deep south celebrate in February, while some states in the far north celebrate in May.
7). The first documented Arbor Day was celebrated in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo in 1594! They planted lime and horse-chestnut trees.
8). Today, at least 44 countries worldwide celebrate Arbor Day each year.
9). On April 15, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt issued the “Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States,” emphasizing the importance of trees and forestry.
10). The best way to celebrate Arbor Day is to plant a tree. Trees have a multitude of benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment.