Environment

Celebrate Arbor Day 2009: what is it exactly?

by Amy Judd | April 24, 2009 at 09:23 am

219 views | 34 Recommendations | 3 comments

Today in the United States, it's Arbor Day! It's a day to celebrate all things 'tree' related, it's a day to plant trees, and to give thanks for the amazing varieties of trees that habitate our planet and clean our air. Trees supply us with oxygen, and in turn absorb pollutants, and cut down on noise pollution, plus they are pleasant to look at.

The first Arbor Day took place in 1972 in Nebraska, on April 10th, although now it's celebrated later in the month. It was started by a man called Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902) who worked hard throughout his career as a journalist and politician to improve agriculture and raise awareness of how important it is to keep our trees alive.

According to Arborday.org, Americans mark Arbor Day on the last Friday in April, and they celebrate it by encouraging folks to plant new trees and take good care of existing ones.

Some towns across the U.S are marking the day with planting tree events, or sponsored runs, and even exhibitions to teach local residents about the trees in their area and what they do for their surrounding environment.

This is the one day to set aside for planting any kind of tree you want. Some good ideas are fruit trees, Maple trees, Sycamores, Evergreens, Pines, and even Cedar or Fir. All these trees are needed on our planet and they all provide different functions for us.

Some of our products that come from trees are soap, cork, pencils, perfume, writing paper, firewood and even crayons.

So today, plant a tree for yourself, or if you can't, at least give one a big hug.

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jazzyzazzy

at 15:42 on April 24th, 2009

never heard of Arbor Day til now,a lovely idea to include the kids. I just went oot ma door and hugged the wee tree in ma garden.So am a Ardor day fan now I think!

sara star

at 17:41 on April 24th, 2009

I love trees.

KWoods21

at 08:52 on April 27th, 2009

Each year, Texas Tech University celebrates Arbor Day by planting thousands of beautiful plants and flowers across the university campus. The Arbor Day tradition began at Texas Tech in 1938. This year, hundreds of students, faculty and staff joined together to help beautify the Texas Tech campus. Read More: Springing Up a West Texas Oasis.

KWoods21 has contributed a photo to this story.