The tree has been around since rain. One produces the other. Like the chicken and the egg. Most trees don’t grow with out rain. Rain can not be produced without the combination of earth’s atmospheric pressure, which is helped along by trees. It’s a crazy catch 22. So how did all this begin? A gentleman by the name of J. Sterling Morton from Michigan was one of the pioneers moving into the Nebraska territory when it suddenly hit him…he realized that there was not one single tree in the whole plains area. Being that he and his wife loved shrubs, bushes and the like, they began planting them as soon as they arrived. Because J. Sterling Morton was a journalist, he used the newspaper as a device to help remind the other pioneers of the beauty of the trees they had left in Michigan and Arbor Day was born!

Since the days of Sterling, The Arbor Day Foundation has sprung and is now a National foundation concerned with the planting of trees in fire ravaged locations, the nurture of trees already here and the enjoyment by the population of trees and their indirect benefits. Leaving trees for future generations to appreciate is one of the seminars offered by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Arbor Day celebrations must be limited to specific tree locations as I have never seen or heard of one. I have never received a “Happy Arbor day” card and I have never seen any cakes, pies or other goodies given over an Arbor Day holiday. But, I guess it would serve well to at least take note of how many different ways trees affect our lives.

Paper, as everyone knows comes from trees. Sometimes just sitting in my office, I wonder how in the world we have any left on planet earth! Anyway, producing food for wildlife, shade for us in our homes (reducing energy costs) and providing protection from noise and wind, trees offer many benefits that we all take for granted. Besides giving us oxygen to breath, the beauty of trees also provides depth in our surroundings and inspiration. The Arbor Day foundation collects donations from programs and seminars they offer in order to sustain themselves. They sell trees to construction companies who seek to landscape a newly constructed home and offer rewards and recognition to those companies who work to protect trees in their own professions.

Johnny Appleseed took a particular interest in the apple tree. Eating from its delicious fruit, Johnny felt that there were more goodies to come from the tree. Finding maple syrup in the maple tree has been a fun discovery made by children at festivals and shows alike.

Did you know that the Oak tree was our National Tree? This is due to the fact that it is the largest, strongest and oldest tree on the earth! The Rain Forests are also laden with trees that provide protection and a habitat for some of the rarest species of all.

Teaching our children the value of trees and involving them in taking care of trees is a worthwhile use of time. It is rare that something that surrounds our every waking (and sleeping) hour is so taken for granted. The next time you go outside, look up, and appreciate the beauty of the tree!