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| Arbor Day |
City workers will prepare the site for the tree planting at the farm, an historic farm located at 16th and 24th streets in Holland. Established by Albertus Van Raalte, the city of Holland’s founder, it is sometimes known as “the Maples” because of the large majestic trees that form a canopy on the front of the house.
Homeschoolers will take turns shoveling the soil to help plant the new tree. There will also be a Holland in Bloom children’s bird seed activity. Holland in Bloom is part of a nation-wide beautification competition taking place this spring and summer in Holland.
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Trees not only provide beauty in our landscape, they improve the air we breathe, improve water quality, attract wildlife and conserve energy.
In January of 1872, J. Sterling Morton a journalist and naturalist, proposed a tree planting holiday to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. April 10, 1872 was chosen as the first Arbor Day. Prizes were offered for the counties and individuals who planted the most trees. More than one million trees were planted. Students planted trees with their classes, labeled and cared for them.
Morton called the first Arbor Day a success: “A celebration of this kind results in good to all and is worthy of imitation by everyone.” Eventually other states and presidents declared the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day. The Holland Garden Club and the city of Holland have been celebrating Arbor Day with Holland school children for many years.
Working together, the Holland Garden Club and the City of Holland Department of Leisure and Cultural Services invite garden club members and the public to the celebration.
