What is Arbor Day? The answer is quite simple, Arbor Day is one day of the year when we all celebrate trees and the important role that they play in our environment. It was started in Nebraska in 1872 and is still celebrated today throughout the United States and even around the world. Arbor Day is an important way to raise awareness of the many issues that surround trees.
Normally we would host a class and plant a tree together as a community, this year we’re celebrating a little differently. You can stop in our office to wish us a happy Arbor Day and receive a free seedling or you can celebrate by planting a tree right from your couch! All you have to do post a photo of your favorite tree on social media, tag @arborday, and use the hashtag #ArborDay. Then, Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree on your behalf! To follow along with how many trees have been planted or to learn more, visit www.celebratearborday.com
We’ll go first! Our pick is the American Beech. It is not a common tree in Wisconsin, confined almost exclusively to the eastern part of the state, but you can find this beautiful tree right here in Greenville! It is easily recognized by its smooth, gray bark. The leaves turn a golden bronze in fall and the tree produces hard, brown beechnuts that are an important food source for birds and mammals. Take a walk through Schueler Woods at Lions Park and see if you can find the American Beech growing there.
