Arbor Day
Every Tree Counts: Celebrate trees at the Arboretum and in your community
Check out this Arbor Day message from Dr. Gerry Donnelly, our tree hugger-in-chief.
Illinois observes Arbor Day on the last Friday in April—in 2011, it was April 29. In 2012 it will be April 27.
We celebrate Arbor Day because trees are essential to our lives, from the very air we breathe to their calming force on our minds and communities. So, each Arbor Day, families and neighbors plant thousands of trees. Every year, those trees grow a little taller, and the people who planted them feel a little prouder.
- Learn about the history of Arbor Day
- Learn how the Arboretum is studying our urban forest
- Share your tree story! Post a picture and tell us about a tree that is important to you or view the tree gallery
Trees are treasures
Did you see the tree tags downtown Chicago on Arbor Day 2011? Discover the value of trees! Here's a behind-the-scenes look at hanging the tags on a rainy, cold Arbor Day eve:
How can you celebrate Arbor Day?
PLANT A TREE
Planting and protecting trees has never been more important. As climate change transforms our world, healthy, long-lived trees can remove climate-warming carbon dioxide from the air and keep it safely locked away.
- Find tree seedlings
- Learn how to plant a tree
- Choose your tree
- Plant trees for energy savings (.pdf)
VISIT THE ARBORETUM
On Arbor Day 2011, visitors helped plant trees on our grounds, including one tree with our special guest, Curious George. There are opportunities throughout the year to plant trees and help restore woodlands at the Arboretum.
- Contact the Arboretum Volunteer Office
- Check out the Sterling Morton Library for tree information
BRING ARBOR DAY TO YOUR SCHOOL
Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated by planting trees with school children. Contact your school, municipal public works department, or park district for a tree for planting at the school or other public location. Or, they may provide seedling trees for children to plant on their own.
- Arbor Day resources for K-12 teachers
CELEBRATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Observe Arbor Day by planting trees in your community. Each of the 186 Tree City USA communities in Illinois holds a public Arbor Day celebration—your community may have one as well. Schools, libraries, businesses, garden clubs, and tree and environmental boards and commissions often co-sponsor local celebrations.
- Is your city a Tree City USA?
- Get kids involved in your Arbor Day event