Come Join the 4th Annual Arbor Day Celebration

"While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty - all for a better tomorrow." - Arbor Day Foundation.

The Whitehall Garden Club will celebrate Arbor Day with the fourth annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 26, in Whitehall's Community Center from noon until 3 PM. The Town of Whitehall will raise its Tree City USA flags along Legion Street to celebrate Whitehall's 31st year as a Tree City USA. Mayor Mary Hensleigh will welcome the crowd and read a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day, its history, and its future. The Whitehall Garden Club members will distribute 31 tree seedlings free to attendees. Various tree- and plant-related information tables and vendors will be assembled in the Whitehall Community Center, along with local businesses with specials for shoppers. Various student activities will be offered, including learning about the life cycle of a tree, identifying parts of a tree, and a chance for prizes.

Whitehall Community Library will also provide a special display of books on trees. This is an opportunity for the residents of Whitehall and the surrounding areas to get out and enjoy Spring and the beginning of the planting and gardening season.

FUN FACTS:

• The first US Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, after being proposed by the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, J. Sterling Morton.

• By 1920, over 45 US states were observing Arbor Day

• The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to celebrate the holiday's 100th anniversary. The nonprofit conservation group distributes over 10 million trees every year.

• Arbor Day was almost called Sylvan Day, coming from the Latin word "Silva," meaning "of the forest" or "woodland."J. Sterling Morton decided against this name because he wanted to include all types of trees, not just forest trees.

• It is estimated that over 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.

• The first documented Arbor Day was celebrated in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo in 1594! They planted lime and horse-chestnut trees

• The best way to celebrate Arbor Day is to plant a tree, as trees have many benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment.

How will you be celebrating Arbor Day this year?