Celebrate Arbor Day!
Arbor Day has been celebrated in the United States for more than 150 years, the first celebration occurring in largely tree-less Nebraska. Founder J. Sterling Morton, a newspaper editor and politician, was a longtime advocate for the windbreaking, soil-protecting, shade-creating, timber-growing benefits trees could bring to the Nebraska territory. His advocacy paid off when he became territory secretary and proposed the first tree-planting holiday to be celebrated in April 1872. Public response to the first Arbor Day was overwhelmingly enthusiastic with more than an estimated 1 million trees planted.
Today, every state celebrates Arbor Day, most on the last Friday in April. Though the world has changed drastically since 1872, today’s citizens have the same drive to plant trees those Nebraskans had many years ago. Trees are a critical component of solutions to some of the most prominent global environmental issues of today. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one acre of forest can take up 6 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making trees one of the most accessible and efficient tools we have to fight climate change. They are effective cooling agents in urban heat islands, with tree-shaded areas capable of being 20 – 45°F cooler than unshaded areas (U.S. EPA 2022). Trees also provide food and shelter for wildlife in natural and urban spaces, creating necessary habitat to support a variety of species and mitigate loss of biodiversity. Humans also thrive in tree-filled environments—trees can create a sense of calm for the people exposed to them (Arbor Day Foundation 2023).
Morton encapsulated the spirit of his tree planting movement when he said, “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.” On Friday, April 28, we have the opportunity to create a greener future for our communities by celebrating Arbor Day. Get involved by volunteering at a community planting event, planting a tree of your own, donating to a local tree-planting nonprofit group, or even sharing information about the qualities of trees on social media. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation website for more information, inspiration, and resources to make the most of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day Celebrations
When: Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m.
Where: Hancock County Courthouse Plaza in Greenfield
Why: Celebrate Arbor Day in Greenfield with Regreening Greenfield and receive free tree seedlings
When: Saturday, April 29 at 8 a.m.
Where: Arboretum at Evergreen Park in Huntington
Why: Celebrate the grand opening of the newly planted Arboretum in Huntington by help planting and mulch trees, go on a tree identification walk, a forest therapy walk, enjoy live music and food trucks, hands on nature activities for families and nature story time. There will also be a rain barrel painting contest and vendor and exhibitor tents.
When: Friday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Park, South Main Street in Crown Point
Why: Arbor Day Ceremony at Kaiser Park followed by a spring cleanup at Crown Point Sportsplex Turf at 1313 E. North St. Gloves, garbage bags and grabbers will be provided. Please dress in comfortable clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
When: Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m.
Where: Broadway Fountain in Madison
Why: Celebrate Arbor Day and pick up some tree saplings. There will be swamp white oak, red oak, black gum and bald cypress available.
When: Friday, April 28 at 9 a.m.
Where: North entrance to Switchyard Park in Bloomington
Why: Help plant trees and celebrate Arbor Day with Indiana’s longest-running Tree City USA
When: Friday, April 28 from 4-7 p.m., singing starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Garfield Park, The Pagoda (2345 Pagoda Drive, Indianapolis 46203)
Why: Celebrate Arbor Day by lifting your voice in song to pay tribute to the trees and by participating in reforestation efforts. The Indiana Forest Alliance invites you to join in an original community arts project on Friday, April 28 at Garfield Park’s iconic Pagoda shelter. This fun, all-ages, all-voices welcome event is presented in coalition with AES, Indy Parks, and the Department of Public Works (DPW). An Indy Free Tree giveaway site will be set up for neighbors to pick up a free swamp white oak sapling, provided by AES and DPW. For more information, questions or to find out how your church or community choir can participate contact Lori Perdue, lori@indianaforestalliance.org, 317-902-8221.
When: Friday, April 28, 6 p.m.
Where: KHCPL Russiaville
Why: Stop by and pick up a free tree. The seed library will also be open so you can select seeds to plant, as we look toward planting season.
When: Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Mount Ayr Community Park
Why: Celebrate 20 years of being a Tree City USA with the smallest Tree City in Indiana. There will be a free tree giveaway, food, music, and children’s events including bounce houses.
See below for Arbor Day Celebrations at Indiana State Parks
https://events.in.gov/event/a_is_for_arbor_day_3578
https://events.in.gov/event/mississinewa_lakes_run_for_the_trees_happy_little_5k
https://events.in.gov/event/dendrochronology_game_potato_creek_state_park