Each year, the program teaches local 3rd grade classes about the importance of trees and the significance of Arbor Day. Then a few lucky students come out to a park and help us plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day. This year, I actually learned something, too! Did you know the first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872?
On the first Arbor Day, over 1 million trees were planted. Now, the number of trees planted is closer to 8 million. It's amazing to be a part of that. Planting a tree for our Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony also helps Massillon remain a Tree City USA for the last 11 years.
As part of the ceremony, we do a tree chant of "Grow Massillon!" as we throw dirt into the hole. I think this is a great symbol of the role trees play in our lives. As we grow and mature, trees do the same. They grow bigger and stronger and can withstand storms. The kids who helped plant this tree and the Massillon Community as a whole are the same way. Years from now, all of the students who have been involved in our Tree Planting Ceremonies over the years can return to the park their tree was planted and see how the trees have grown and reflect on how they have grown too.
As Julius Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, said "Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future." I think he's saying trees symbolize hope for the future. Arbor day is this Friday. We did our ceremony a week early, but I hope our story inspires you to go out, plant a tree and help keep our city green and gorgeous!
