On April 10, 1872, journalist and newspaper editor J.Sterling Morton established Arbor Day in the state of Nebraska with hopes that it would spread across the country. This first Arbor Day challenged the people of Nebraska who were pioneers and missed the trees and forests of the east.
The challenge was to plant as many trees as they possibly could. The citizens of Nebraska answered the challenge by planting more than 1 million trees that first Arbor Day.
Arbor Day, a tree-planting holiday was recognized in Michigan for the first time on April 15, 1876, when it was designated by Gov. John Bagley, who requested that trees be planted in recognition of the nation’s centennial celebration.
Today Arbor Day is normally celebrated on the last Friday of April.
| Year | Arbor Day |
| 2020 | Friday, April 24 |
| 2021 | Friday, April 30 |
| 2022 | Friday, April 29 |
| 2023 | Friday, April 28 |
To learn more about the history of National Arbor Day visit the website at www.nationalarbordayfoundation.com.
Sources:
National Arbor Day entry from the National Day Calendar
MIRS Capitol Capsule, April 15, 2020