The last Friday in April, best known as Arbor Day, is more than just an obscure day found on store-bought calendars. It turns out that most countries celebrate some version of Arbor Day, which varies depending on the planting season. It became an official American holiday in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton, whose lifelong fascination with trees lead him to spread the message of protecting forest habitats. Today the legacy is carried on by the Arbor Day Foundation, founded in 1972. Their purpose is to provide education about the conservation of forests and native tree species, as well as provide community tree recovery for areas affected by natural disasters.
Who can blame Mr. Morton for being so enthusiastic about trees? The connection between trees and people is not a new one. The term “tree hugger” was coined in 1730, when a group of people from the Bishnois branch of Hinduism physically held on to trees in their village to protect them from being used to build a palace.
Trees are one of the most important resources we have on the planet. On average, it takes one large tree to provide enough oxygen for four people. They can also help to cleanse polluted air and water, as well as provide a much needed cooling effect for the Earth. Trees even have the power to make people feel relaxed by just being there. If you’d like more information on why trees are so great, you can check out the numbers on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website. The bottom line is that trees are an indispensable support system.
Japanese Maple Seedling
The simplest way to get involved in the cause is to plant a tree. Fruit trees are an excellent investment to have around your home and property. Apples, pears, peaches and plums grow well throughout most of North Carolina. Live in an apartment? You can easily plant a seed from your apple or lemon in a planter, making it easy to move from place to place. Seek out organizations in your community in need of planting – parks, schools, and churches are a great place to get started. Try contacting a National Park in your area for information about volunteer opportunities to get involved with. If you’d like to start planting, check out your local nursery or farmers market for the best advice on native tree species, what could grow best on your property, and tips on planting and care.
