Arbor Day got its start in 1872, when pioneers moving into the Nebraska territory realized a deep lack of trees in the area. They missed their beauty, as well as their ability to provide windbreaks, fuel, building material, and shade from the hot sun. A newspaper editor and secretary of the territory named J. Sterling Morton began advocating for them, even going so far as to propose a tree planting holiday that spring. Prizes were offered to counties and individuals for the largest amount of properly planted trees, and they went on to plant an estimated 1 million seedlings.

Arbor Day was officially proclaimed by Nebraska’s governor, Robert W. Furnas, two years later. Other states soon caught on to the idea, and today, all 50 observe the holiday. Although national observance takes place in April, participation varies depending on climate and suitable planting conditions. Georgia traditionally celebrates the holiday on the third February in February. You can mark the occasion in a number of ways, from participating in a local planting event or walking in a local park and appreciating everything trees do for us. Keep reading for more.