Purpose of Arbor Day
Every year large numbers of Americans go out armed with shovels and soil and wheelbarrows, all aimed at a common goal: celebrating Arbor Day. Your home town may even be a "Tree City" recognized for its efforts at celebrating Arbor Day. Yet what exactly does the day celebrate? The answer, though short, is an important part of the conservation and environmental movement. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
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Purpose
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Arbor Day has a very simple purpose: to plant trees. The day is dedicated to the simple act of planting a tree, whether someplace out in the country or even in the city. Trees of all sizes can and are planted on this day.
Trees Are Important
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Trees benefit the environment by providing habitat, cleaning the air and even helping to prevent soil erosion. They are therefore an important step in maintaining a "green" environment, even in cities.
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History
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Back when Arbor Day was started, many of those benefits were not fully understood. What was understood was the fact that trees were disappearing, and in 1872 J. Sterling Morton, an agriculturalist and Nebraska politician, created the holiday to do something about it.
When and Where
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National Arbor Day is observed across the United States on the last Friday in April. However, many states have their own date, based on the local conditions, in order to observe the holiday during the best time for planting.
Who Can Participate
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Anyone can plant a tree on Arbor Day. Organizations as well as individuals are encouraged to do so, and many schools have a tree-planting project to coincide with the holiday.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://blogs.ktvb.com/maggie/2009/04/happy-arbor-day-plant-a-free-t.html
