What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. The idea for Arbor Day in the United States originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska. J. Sterling Morton and his wife, Caroline, were lovers of nature and the home they established in Nebraska was quickly planted with trees, shrubs and flowers. In 1872, the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by Morton to “set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.” The Board declared April 10, 1872, Arbor Day offering prizes to the counties and individuals that properly planted the largest number of trees on that day. More than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. J. Sterling Morton became known as the “Founder of Arbor Day.”

Shortly after this 1872 observance, other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day each year with appropriate ceremonies. New York State celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday in April, the 24^th this year.

Planting trees is an act of kindness and optimism. The trees we plant clean the air, beautify our neighborhoods, provide homes for wildlife, conserve energy and topsoil, and help keep the atmosphere in balance. Life is just better when we live among the trees.

Please join us for our Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24, 2020, 11:00 am at the Nannen Arboretum in the Town Center building. Town and Village representatives will make a proclamation declaring April 24 2020 as Arbor Day in Ellicottville NY and an arbor day tree will be planted on the arboretum grounds. Refreshments will be available.