It’s A Holiday That Is Often Forgotten Or Joked About. But Remember To Plant A Tree For Arbor Day Friday, April 25th!

When it comes to holidays, many people actually make jokes about this one.  Chances are you won't be sending cards or baking anything sweet to eat to celebrate it, but Arbor Day is an important day to remember.

With a mission "to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees", the Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 by John Rosenow.  But the celebration of Arbor Day in America dates back to 1872.  A Nebraska newspaper editor, Julius Sterling Morton, who was at one time President Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture, had a great fascination with trees, often trying to tell people of the importance of of farming and forestry.

After building a 52-room mansion in what is now known as Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Morton founded Arbor Day.  A day that he set aside for individuals and groups to plant and care for trees.

Arbor Day is celebrated by all the states in the United States and by many countries.  It is usually celebrated during spring, but the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.  Find out the dates that different states celebrate Arbor Day from this map. 

In the South Dakota, Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April.  (This year, that would be April 25th, 2014.)  Each state celebrates its own state holiday, but it is usually customary to plant a tree.  On the first Arbor Day, April 10th, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted.

Everyone from groups of people to individuals can celebrate Arbor Day.  Groups can organize recycling drives (to help save trees) or plan community projects.  But you don't need a whole group of people to help bring awareness to Arbor Day.  Individuals can do simple things like reading a book about trees, planting a tree in your yard or just go outside and enjoy nature.