National Arbor Day

Celebrated on 04/24/2026

Quick Fact

National Arbor Day was first celebrated on April 10, 1872, when an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska alone. The holiday was inspired by J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician who recognized the importance of trees for providing shade, fruit, and windbreaks on the barren plains.

Origins and Establishment of National Arbor Day

National Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska journalist and politician, who proposed a tree-planting holiday to address the lack of trees on the Great Plains. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, where prizes were offered to counties and individuals who planted the most trees. An estimated one million trees were planted that day.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, Arbor Day spread to all 50 states and many countries worldwide. The date varies by state to align with optimal planting seasons, though the most common observance is the last Friday in April. Modern celebrations often involve community tree-planting events, educational programs in schools, and recognitions of environmental stewardship. Arbor Day has also expanded to include initiatives like the Arbor Day Foundation, which has planted over 350 million trees globally.

Facts & General Observations

• Arbor Day is observed in over 40 countries, with names like "Greening Week" in Japan and "Tree Planting Day" in China.
• The Arbor Day Foundation, established in 1972, has planted more than 350 million trees in forests and communities worldwide.
• The most common tree planted on Arbor Day in the U.S. is the oak, followed by maple and pine species.

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