Arbor Day

Arbor Day originated in 1872 in the United States territory of Nebraska. Mr. J. Sterling Morton, a newcomer to the treeless plains of Nebraska, was a keen proponent of the beauty and benefit of trees.  He persuaded the local agricultural board to set aside a day for planting trees and through his position as editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, encouraged participation in the event by publishing articles on the value of trees for soil protection, fruit, shade and building.

Mr. Morton’s home, known as Arbor Lodge, was a testament to his love for trees and so inspired the name of the holiday; Arbor Day.  Within two decades Arbor Day was celebrated in every US State and territory and eventually spread around the world.  The tradition continues annually in the second week of August, in global acknowledgment of Mr. Morton’s slogan.

In South Africa, Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1983.  The event captured the imagination of people who recognized the need for raising awareness of the value of trees in our society.  As sources of building material, food, medicine, and simple scenic beauty, trees play a vital role in the health and well-being of our communities.  Collective enthusiasm for the importance of this issue in South Africa inspired the national government, in 1999, to extend the celebration of Arbor Day to National Arbor Week.  From 1 to 7 September every year, schools, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in community “greening” events to improve the health and beauty of the local environment and propose a green future for South Africa.