5 Tall Tree Tales and 10 Activities for Arbor Day

It’s not the holiday where the portly dude slides down chimneys. And you don’t hunt for colorful eggs hidden in the grass. There are no fireworks exploding overhead or marching bands on parade.

It’s Arbor Day!

What the heck is Arbor Day?

We celebrate National Arbor Day the last Friday in April. The holiday is more than 135 years old! It started in Nebraska of all places! Settlers in this prairie state missed the trees they knew from home. Remember that trees were very important to our ancestors. They provided fuel, building materials, and windbreaks. And for us hikers, they still provide cooling shade on a hot summer’s day.

In 1872, J. Sterling Morton convinced the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture to “set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.” The idea spread and today all fifty states celebrate the holiday.

The Arbor Day Foundation (yes, there is a nonprofit foundation) reminds us:

The trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and, some day, provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter from the wind and sun, beauty, and inspiration for ourselves and our children.

The idea behind Arbor Day is not unique. Remember the ancient Chinese proverb:

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

– Chinese proverb

On most other holidays, we reflect on the past. What I like about Arbor Day is that we think ahead to future generations. This life-affirming view is what makes the holiday so refreshing.

To learn more about Arbor Day, download this fact sheet.

10 Arbor Day Activities

It’s always fun to do activities that tie bushcraft to a holiday or special occasion. To help celebrate Arbor Day, here are some fun activities you might want to try. Many are suggested by the Arbor Day Foundation.