Environmental stewardship has long been a core value in Nebraska, making it fitting that Arbor Day originated in the state. This year, Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 25, 2025, in Nebraska, across the country, and around the world. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Founded by Julius Sterling Morton, it is estimated that nearly one million trees were planted on that day.
Arbor Day represents hope for the future. Planting a tree is a simple yet powerful act that promises clean air and water, refreshing shade, wildlife habitats, stronger communities, and lasting natural beauty, all contributing to a brighter tomorrow.
J Sterling Morton: The Man Who Planted Arbor Day
Arbor Day was the idea of J Sterling Morton, who, despite not being a Nebraska native, sought to bring the gift of trees to the state.
Born in New York and raised in Michigan, Morton pursued journalism, working as a reporter for the Detroit Free Press due to his family’s ties to paper publishing. In 1854, he married Carolina Joy French, and together they journeyed to the Nebraska Territory, settling on 160 treeless acres in Nebraska City.
Morton founded the Nebraska City News and became actively involved in politics. He was appointed Secretary of the Nebraska Territory by President James Buchanan, served as acting governor from September 1858 to May 1859, and in 1860 he even ran for Congress.
Despite his involved career and the responsibility of raising four sons, Morton dedicated himself to planting thousands of trees on his homestead, which he called the Morton “ranch.” His plantings included an apple orchard, along with peach, plum, and pear trees, as well as cottonwoods, evergreens, beeches, and more.
Morton seized every chance to share his love of trees. He delivered speeches and filled his newspaper with agricultural guidance, encouraging Nebraskans to plant trees and experiment with new crops.
In 1872, he declared: “If I had the power, I would compel every man in the State who had a home of his own to plant out and cultivate fruit trees.”
In 1893, President Grover Cleveland appointed Morton as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He also served on the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture and the State Horticultural Society. Morton passed away on April 27, 1902, at the age of 70. Just a month before his death, he expressed his eagerness to plant trees once the weather warmed. In his honor, a statue of him stands in the National Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.
Today, his family home, Arbor Lodge, is a state park in Nebraska City. What began as a modest four-room house, expanded over time into a grand 52-room mansion, featuring a terraced garden, a pine grove, and 65 acres filled with over 250 varieties of trees and shrubs.
The Origins of Arbor Day
As pioneers settled in the Nebraska Territory, they quickly felt the absence of trees. Not only did they long for the familiar landscapes they had left behind, but they also relied on trees for crucial needs - windbreaks to prevent soil erosion, fuel for warmth, building materials, and shade from the sun.
Arbor Day was one of many initiatives aimed at promoting tree planting in Nebraska’s barren landscape. In 1870, the State Board of Agriculture offered cash prizes for the best and largest groves planted that year. Meanwhile, both the State Boards of Horticulture and Agriculture sought government support for tree planting on the western prairies.
J. Sterling Morton played a key role in these efforts. On January 4, 1872, he attended meetings in Lincoln and proposed a resolution to the State Board of Agriculture, officially designating April 10, 1872, as Arbor Day. Some debated whether "Sylvan Day" would be a better name since it specifically referred to forest trees. However, Morton insisted that "Arbor Day" was more inclusive, encompassing both forest and fruit trees, as the term derives from the Latin word for "tree."
Although there is no record of an official Arbor Day celebration in 1873, the tradition took root in 1874 when the State Board of Agriculture made it an annual event. Eventually, the date was moved to April 22, Morton's birthday. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated nationwide on the fourth Friday in April, with some states observing it on different dates. For example, Hawaii celebrates on the first Friday of November, while Alaska celebrates it on the third Monday in May.
By 1882, tree planting had become a popular tradition in schools across the country. Students learned about the importance of trees and were even given one to plant in their own yards. By 1920, more than 45 states and territories had adopted Arbor Day as an annual tradition.
The Importance of Arbor Day
Arbor Day’s purpose is to inspire people to plant trees. Many communities take the opportunity to host tree-planting and litter-cleanup events in celebration. The Arbor Day Foundation was established to honor J. Sterling Morton’s legacy and further promote the holiday.
“A global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Along with our network, we’ve planted more than half a billion trees — with a focus on areas where they can have the greatest impact on climate, communities, and biodiversity.”
Arbor Day Foundation Impact since 1972:
- Over 500 million trees planted
- Active in 60+ countries
- Partnering with 5,400+ local organizations
- More than 50 years of tree planting, nurturing, and celebrating
Arbor Day Foundation Impact by the Numbers (2023-2024):
- Over 1.4 million trees planted in communities
- 833,000 trees distributed for home planting
- 623 community tree-planting projects
The Power of Trees:
Trees play a vital role in supporting both our health and the health of our planet. They purify our air and water, provide cooling shade in urban areas, and even help reduce stress and promote well-being.
Beyond benefiting people, trees are essential to wildlife and ecosystems. A single oak tree can attract thousands of pollinators and beneficial insects, while also providing shelter for birds and aquatic animals. Additionally, trees offer humans valuable resources, including medicine, building materials, and agricultural benefits.
Most importantly, as the climate warms, trees serve as powerful allies in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Planting even one tree can make a meaningful difference.
2025 Arbor Day Celebrations in Nebraska:
Arbor Day LNK:
- Antelope Park, Lincoln, NE
- April 27, 2025 | 11 AM - 2 PM
Nebraska City Arbor Day Celebration:
- Arbor Lodge, Nebraska City
- April 25-26, 2025
- Children’s Program
- Commemorative Tree Planting
- 5K/10K/Kids Run
- Home, Craft & Garden Market
- Historic Landmark Unveiling at Kregel Windmill Factory Museum
- Nebraska National Forest, Halsey, NE
- April 24-25, 2025
- (Open to elementary classes and homeschool families)
Environmental stewardship has been deeply rooted in Nebraska since before it became a state. I hope you embrace this history and celebrate Arbor Day not just on April 25, but every day. Find an Arbor Day event near you, plant a tree, spend time outdoors, and honor Nebraska’s natural legacy. The trees we plant today will shape the communities of tomorrow.
