Trees are amazing! They do so much for our world, like giving us oxygen to breathe and providing shade on sunny days. Trees are also homes for many animals and help keep our air clean. Because trees are so important, we have a special day just for them called Arbor Day.
Arbor Day is a special day when people celebrate and plant trees. It’s a time for everyone to learn why trees matter, enjoy their beauty, and plant new ones. The word “Arbor” comes from Latin and means “tree,” so Arbor Day is really “Tree Day.”
In the United States, Arbor Day is usually on the last Friday in April. But the date can be different in other places. For example, Hawaii celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday in November because it’s a good time to plant trees there. In Australia, Arbor Day is on the first Sunday in August. These different dates show how important it is to plant trees at the right time so they can grow well.
Arbor Day started in 1872, thanks to a man named J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska. Back then, Nebraska didn’t have many trees. Morton thought it would be great to have more trees, so he suggested a day for planting them. The first Arbor Day was on April 10, 1872, and Morton planted about one million trees! His idea caught on, and soon other states started celebrating Arbor Day too. By 1970, it became a national holiday in the United States.
Trees are not just pretty to look at; they do a lot of good things for us:
On Arbor Day, people can join in tree planting events, learn about trees, and do activities that help the environment. Planting trees is a great way to make our planet healthier and bring people together. As we celebrate Arbor Day, let’s remember how important trees are and think about planting one to help create a greener future.
Tree Observation Walk: Take a walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park with an adult. Look for different types of trees and observe their leaves, bark, and size. Try to identify at least three different trees. Discuss with your adult companion why each tree might be important to the environment and what animals might live in or around it.
Leaf Art Project: Collect a few fallen leaves from different trees. Use these leaves to create a piece of art. You can make leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a sheet of paper and rubbing a crayon over it, or you can glue the leaves onto paper to make a collage. Think about how each leaf is unique and how trees contribute to the beauty of nature.
Tree Planting Plan: Imagine you are planning to plant a tree in your backyard or school. Draw a picture of the tree you would like to plant and write a short paragraph about why you chose that tree. Consider what benefits it will bring, such as providing shade or a home for animals. Share your plan with your class or family and discuss how planting trees can help the environment.
