This year's Arbor Day saw the planting of a southern live oak on the east side of Milton High School's campus, near Stewart Street.
Arbor Day was first proposed in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture. That same year, that board observed the holiday with the planting of more than a million trees throughout that state. Since then, Arbor Day has grown into an event that is observed throughout the nation as well as in other countries.
The significance of Arbor Day cannot be understated as trees play an important role in reducing topsoil erosion, cleaning our air and producing oxygen, protecting water quality in our rivers, creeks, and ponds, and giving us access to a renewable resource for paper, wood, and fuel. Additionally, trees in our city help to increase property values, beautify our community, provide shade, and enhance the economic vitality of our business areas.
