Arbor Day

We LOVE trees and we know lots of you do as well. Trees are crucial to the survival of our planet. They remove CO2 and pollutants therefore reducing the “heat island effect”. They also preserve soil by decreasing storm water run-off, and provide shade and shelter for many animals.  

 

​The first Arbor Day took place in Nebraska on April 10, 1872.  J. Sterling Morton was secretary of the Nebraska Territory and a huge advocate for trees.  He proposed a tree holiday to encourage citizens and civic groups to plant them.  Prizes were awarded to individuals and counties for properly planting the most trees. Over 1 million trees were planted on that first Arbor Day in Nebraska. Robert W. Furnas was the Nebraska Governor that officially proclaimed Arbor Day on April 10, 1874.  Arbor Day became a legal Nebraska state holiday in 1885, when it was decided that it would be observed annually on April 22. 

 

​Arbor Day was celebrated in more than 45 states and territories by 1920. Today all 50 states acknowledge the critical role trees play in our survival by recognizing the event. Many states observe the holiday on the last Friday in April, but that date may vary depending on the best time to plant trees. That is why Florida Arbor Day takes place on the third Friday in January.  

 

This year we celebrated Arbor Day on January 17th, giving away 447 trees in New Port Richey and Dade City. This was possible with donations from Pasco County, Reworld Pasco, Florida Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry, and Tampa Bay Water. It takes a village to make an impact, and we are lucky to have wonderful partners in ours. Special thank you to City of New Port Richey Environmental Committee, New Port Richey FarmNet, and Master Gardener Volunteers, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. 

 

Some of you tree huggers may be looking to plant a tree now. Not quite the best way to plant that tree to set it up for success? We got you. Click the button below for a guide that gives you all the info on how to plant your new tree babe and how to take care of it for years to come.