Why celebrate Arbor Day?
Posted by SCC on Monday, May 11th, 2009. J. Sterling Morton was a Nebraska newspaper man who advocated tree planting in his articles and to community organizations. Eventually he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory where in 1872 he proposed “Arbor Day” to be a tree planting holiday. The tradition of Arbor Day began in schools nationwide in 1882. Not only do schools participate over 100 years later, but businesses, park and recreation programs, municipalities, etc! As acting community outreach coordinator at Southwest Conservation Corps I wanted to do something to involve local teens in an Arbor Day event. My intention was to teach them the value of trees to reduce erosion of topsoil, rainwater harvesting for native trees and plants, and participate in the planting process. I believe that teaching youth the benefits of conservation early on will become a way of life – second nature – and will lend a hand to saving the earth in the long run. A Great Arbor Day Celebration! Southwes
