Arbor Day began in Nebraska City, Nebraska on April 10th, 1872 when journalist J. Sterling Morton proposed a dedicated day to encourage tree planting on the treeless plains. Nebraska declared Arbor Day a legal state holiday in 1885, however it wasn't until 1970 that the federal government, under President Richard Nixon, proclaimed Arbor Day a national holiday. Observed nationwide on the last Friday of April, Arbor Day is celebrated locally on varying days depending on local planting climates. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation web page to learn more about the history of the holiday and ways you can get involved in Arbor Day events in your area and beyond.
Saint Paul celebrates Arbor Day as Arbor Month and hosts an annual tree planting event to increase tree canopy and diversity at local parks and recreation centers.
