ARIZONA ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION – APRIL 27, 2012
Phoenix, Arizona, 13 April 2012 – The Arizona State Forester Scott Hunt and The Arizona State Forestry Division (ASFD) are excited to announce and celebrate Arbor Day in April 27, 2012.
History of Arbor Day
Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. As the Nebraska Territory was quickly being populated in the mid to late 1800’s, a need for the planting of trees was quickly realized. Trees that aided in soil stabilization, provided shade from the sun, and supplied a demand for fuel and building materials were encouraged to be planted. This encouragement came strongly from the “founding father” of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton.
Since 1872, Arbor Day is celebrated across the United States and in numerous countries throughout the world. The most common date for Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. Some states celebrate on different dates, to coincide with the best time to plant trees based on the local climate. Based on Arizona statute, this year’s Arbor Day will be Friday, April, 27, 2012.
Why is Arbor Day Important?
As J. Sterling Morton and many others have realized, the importance of trees is insurmountable as they provide a multitude of social, environmental, and economic benefits. Socially, trees can lift our spirits and create serene environments for stress release and aesthetic viewing pleasure. Environmentally, they help cool our communities by providing shade from the sun, improve air quality by sequestering carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, and reduce storm water runoff by intercepting rainfall. Economically, a tree shading a building will cut costs associated with air conditioning. A landscaped home is more valuable than one that is non-landscaped and trees aid in increasing home/property value.
How do we celebrate?
There are numerous ways to celebrate Arbor Day as an individual or with a group. As an individual you may simply plant a tree yourself, visit a park, or go for a hike. You may even take some time to educate yourself further about trees by taking a tree care class and reading a book.
There are also many ways a group can celebrate Arbor Day. Organize a local tree search where your group locates either the largest or oldest tree in the community. Dedicate a tree and talk about its value to your community. Organize a block party that celebrates trees, or organize a beautification project in an area that can be seen by many.
The sky is the limit when it comes to celebrating Arbor Day. Enjoy!
For more information and ideas on how to celebrate Arbor Day, visit: http://www.arborday.org
Statewide Arbor Day Events
Each event varies but may include commemoration ceremonies, tree plantings, educational talks, races, and a variety of other activities. Check with the individual event for further information.
Arizona State Celebration – April 27
Downtown Phoenix
Sponsored by: Arizona State Forestry Division
Arizona Nursery Association
Arizona Community Tree Council
Chandler – April 20 at 4:00pm
4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Gilbert – April 21
Morrison Ranch Neighborhood
NE Corner of Elliot & Recker Rds
Glendale – April 26 at 9:30am
Delicias Park
48th Ave & Orangewood; ¼ mi S of Glendale Ave
Maricopa County – April 19 at 9:00am
Terrific Tree Blossoms! Walk
Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Road
Mesa – April 27 at 10:00am
Palo Verde Park – 3135 S. Dobson (Dobson & Guadalupe)
Falcon Hill Park – 7222 E. Jensen (McKellips & Power)
Peoria – April 21 at 8:00am
New River Trail near Union Hills Rd.
Phoenix – April 28 at 8:00am
Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W. Culver Street (between Central & 3rd Ave)
Pinetop-Lakeside – April 27 at 10:00am
Blue Ridge Jr. High School
3050 N. Porter Mountain Rd.
Prescott Valley – April 27 at 10:00am
Antelope Park
8075 E Powers Ave
Scottsdale – April 25 at 3:45pm
Mountain View Park
8625 E. Mountain View Rd.
Snowflake – April 21 at 7:00pm
Snowflake Town Hall
81 West 1st South
Tempe – April 27 at 6:00pm
Arbor Day 5k
Tempe Town Lake
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