A Community Guide to Arbor Week Celebrations

What is Arbor Day?
The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. As a means of promoting conservation and correcting the gradual deforestation of the prairie. More than one million trees were planted on that day.
Many years and countless millions of trees later, the tradition of Arbor Day continues.
Inscribed on a monument erected in memory of the Arbor Day founder, J. Sterling Morton, are the words: "Other holidays repose upon the past, Arbor Day proposes for the future."

When is Arbor Week?
Due to the climatic and geographic diversity of Ontario, Arbor Day has been stretched into Arbor Week. This "week" begins on the last Friday of April, and runs until Mother's Day. Arbor Day is the first day of Arbor Week.

Why Promote Arbor Week?
Today's ever growing concern for the environment enforces the spirit of Arbor Week. In recognition of the role trees play in the ecosystem the goals of Arbor Week are:
1) To educate people about trees.
2) To encourage tree planting.

Planning the Celebration
This e-kit has been designed to help individuals, organizations and corporations in planning a successful Arbor Week Celebration. As your program grows, so will your source of new ideas and program interests. Many successful programs now operate in Ontario municipalities. Here are a few hints to help you on your way.

Event Ideas:

Planting Projects: ceremonial specimen tree school and park plantings rural road planting erosion control and naturalization Nature Walks

Tree Talks Poster & Essay Contests Songs & Skits Tree Hunt... Start an Honour Roll Library Displays

Promotion
The key to a successful Arbor Week Celebration is letting your public know what's happening. Community involvement is important ...and it's easy! Once you have developed your celebration plans, think of the following:

• radio spots and talk shows,
• local newspaper or television,
• display posters,
• bill inserts,
• municipal Arbor Week Proclamation,
• business and organizational newsletters,
• buttons, pins, T-shirts.

Help is Available
Your Arbor Week Program can be as large or as small as you would like. For a single tree, you may find all the help you need at your local garden centre, but for larger projects you may wish more assistance. If you qualify, quantities of larger trees and shrubs can be ordered from any of Ontario's commercial tree nurseries.
Landscape and Tree Care Professionals in both private and municipal sectors can help you plan your planting programs and will provide a valuable resource for general tree care information.