First, let’s cover the basics. What is an arbor? Okay, yes, it does happen to be the word for “a shady garden alcove with sides and a roof formed by trees or climbing plants trained over a wooden framework” (source: Oxford dictionary) that you might see in someone’s garden, or at a wedding. But in this case, the word is rooted in the Latin “arbor,” meaning “tree.” Arbor Day is so-named (at least in the United States) because of Julius Sterling Morton, a 19th century journalist and tree-enthusiast who established Arbor Day in the early 1870s. . 

Morton moved to the state with his wife, Caroline, in 1854, a little more than 10 years before Nebraska gained its statehood in 1867. The couple purchased 160 acres in Nebraska City and planted a wide variety of trees and shrubs in what was primarily a flat stretch of desolate plain.

Morton also became the editor of the state’s first newspaper, Nebraska City News, which was a perfect platform for Morton to spread his knowledge of trees… and to stress their ecological importance to Nebraska. His message of tree life resonated with his readers, many of whom recognized the lack of forestation in their community. Morton also became involved with the Nebraska Board of Agriculture.

On January 7, 1872, Morton proposed a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their community. The agriculture board agreed, and after some back-and-forth about the title—the event was originally going to be called “Sylvan Day” in reference to forest trees—Morton convinced everyone that the day should reflect the appreciation of all trees, and “Arbor Day” was born.” (source: The History Channel)

The importance of trees to our ecosystems, the environment, and our lives has only continued to gain understanding since the first Arbor Day.. Today, we recognize all kinds of benefits trees have including improving air and water quality, reducing flooding and erosion, helping to conserve energy, tempering the climate, improving health, creating habitats, and even helping to reduce crime and pollution in cities.

Snoopy and the gang definitely refer to some of these benefits in the Take Care with Peanuts  videos including Get Up and Grow, where they join forces to plant a garden, and We Need Our Trees, where Charlie Brown learns the important role trees play in our lives. There are also many websites that can help you learn more about the importance of trees and their conservation, as well as help you teach your kiddo (or your class if you’re a teacher).One great website we love is from the Arbor Day Foundation, who has also partnered with Peanuts. There, you can learn all about trees, adopt one, learn how to care for trees, become a member, and really make an impact directly on your neighborhood and community. We’re the most excited about their online tree identifier. It’s an easy, fun, accessible way to start identifying and learning about trees right in your own backyard, and simple enough for kids (or your class) to use too.

This Arbor Day, we encourage you to follow the Peanuts gang’s lead, and find a way to help plant something with your kids. Or, follow Snoopy’s lead and find a way to reuse things to create something new and beautiful! There’s no better way to reinforce the importance of taking care of the Earth than getting your hands dirty and being a part of a global solution! That’s all we’ve got for now, so it’s time for us to make like a tree, and leaf. Until next time!