Arbor Day is one day set aside to learn – and plant

Each tree chosen carefully for a planting site, and cared for, will grow and prosper to, among other things, shelter wildlife and homesteads, generate oxygen and control air pollution. When we plant a tree we give the world a new source of beauty, and we celebrate our hope for the future.

The Latin word arbor means tree. Arbor Day — today, the last Friday in April — is a special one set aside for people to learn about trees and to plant trees. It is celebrated in all 50 states and in many Canadian provinces. In addition, the whole month of May is recognized as Arbor Month in Minnesota.

Arbor Day started in Nebraska, a state not known for its trees. Among the pioneers moving into the then-called Nebraska Territory in 1854 was J. Sterling Morton of Detroit. He and his wife liked plants, and the new home they established was quickly planted with trees, shrubs and garden flowers.

Morton was a journalist, and soon became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper. Given that forum, he spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to a wide audience. His fellow pioneers recognized the need for trees. Morton eventually became secretary of the Nebraska Territory, which gave him another forum to stress the values of trees. In January 1872, at a meeting of the state's board of agriculture, he proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called "Arbor Day."

This year marks the 145th anniversary of Arbor Day.

Jim Gilbert has taught and worked as a naturalist for 50 years.