(Anchorage, AK)—Take the time to plant a tree, go for a walk in the woods, or learn how to properly prune a shrub. Whatever you choose to do, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection encourages Alaskans to observe Arbor Day this weekend or on Monday.
Established in 1872, Arbor Day is a day set aside to plant trees, educate people on the importance of trees, and recognize the important role that trees play in our lives. In Alaska, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Monday in May. This year, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a proclamation denoting May 20 as Alaska’s Arbor Day, in which he invites Alaskans, young and old, to honor one of the state’s greatest assets—its forests.
“Trees bring beauty into our communities and are a renewable resource – giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and jobs for our people,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Healthy and properly managed trees and forests provide environmental, economic, and social benefits while improving the quality of life for Alaskans.”
Arbor Day planting events are taking place throughout Alaska from Ketchikan to Fairbanks. To learn more about planting and caring for trees, visit the Division’s Community Forestry Program website: http://forestry.alaska.gov/community. Click on the news and events page for a list of Arbor Day celebrations around the state.
For more ideas on how to recognize Arbor Day, check out the National Arbor Day Foundation website: https://celebratearborday.com/