Friday May 5th is Arbor Day in Vermont. Arbor Day originated in the 1870’s when J. Sterling Morton proposed that a day be set aside to promote the planting of trees in the largely treeless prairies of Nebraska. Today Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states, to encourage new tree planting and promote the care of existing trees in our communities.
We all realize the aesthetic benefits tree provide but some of the benefits we often take for granted are:
- They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
- They clean the air and water by filtering out pollutants.
- They intercept and absorb stormwater to reduce runoff.
- Properly sited, they reduce energy costs by blocking sun in the summer, wind in the winter and help reduce the heat island effect in urban and suburban areas.
- They help dissipate and absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas.
In addition to promoting Arbor Day, in 1976, the Arbor Day Foundation instituted the Tree City USA program. This program was designed to inspire communities nationwide to actively manage and promote trees and green space. This year marks the 15th year that South Burlington has been awarded Tree City USA recognition.
City Council Proclamation Recognizing Arbor Day
Learning Proper Depth Treeage Community Tree Nursery
Vermont Commons School class planting trees in Szymanski Park Volunteers lining out new trees in the Community Tree Nursery