It all started here in Nebraska. Although Arbor Day is now a national event, it began in 1872 in Nebraska City. J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska journalist and politician, took a look around his adopted State and realized planting trees could only help Nebraska’s economy and enhance the landscape. He planted all kinds of trees on his personal property urging his neighbors to do the same. The tree planting day was officially adopted by the State in 1885. In 1970 it was declared a national holiday. It is now celebrated by many countries worldwide.
About an hour from Omaha, Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City is a great place to take the entire family. The grounds boast of orchards, gardens, and beautiful places to walk, congregate or take a carriage ride. The Lodge has craft demonstration, lectures and is a museum of early Nebraska life. Every year I make the trip with my family to buy apples, cider, apple butter and all kinds of wonderful homemade food stuffs.
This is a good time of year for you to go outside and look around at your trees. Do they look healthy, are they well pruned and disease free? Perhaps once you have those ideas addressed you should take another look. Would planting another tree improve the look of your property or protect you from wind or heat? A trip to your local nursery and talking with an expert will help make certain you make the right choice for your area.
Being kind to our environment is becoming more important every day. Planting a tree will make a big difference. If I can help you with information on local nurseries please give me a call at 402-697-4251 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.
