This is a big day for news from the Rhode Island Tree Council. They are planning an Arbor Day Tree Planting across Rhode Island, "Plant-A-Legacy," on Friday, April 27. Flowering and shade trees will be planted to beautify and preserve the landscape.
Sponsors of the Day are The Mihaildes Family Foundation, RI Federation of Garden Clubs, RI DEM Forest Environment, and the USDA Forest Service.
The roots of Arbor Day date back to 1872 when J. Sterling Morton, editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, first proposed a tree planting holiday called “Arbor Day.” He tirelessly advocated planting on native grasslands to establish trees for fuel, food, building material, windbreaks and shade. By 1882 the planting tradition began in schools and in 1894 was celebrated in every state even to spread into other countries.
It’s important for Rhode Islanders collectively to plant, value, protect, support, preserve, cherish and diversify the mix of trees to enhance the quality of our lives. Our trees help to define our distinct RI landscape character.
RITree Council's Arbor Day Program encourages statewide participation in this very important day set aside for recognizing the importance of trees in our lives. Under this program, the Council helps applicants organize, publicize and conduct tree planting ceremonies commemorating Arbor Day. We also provide them with FREE saplings, as available, mulch and technical assistance for planning their event.
Program eligibility requires that applicants meet the following minimum requirements:
- They must be a Tree Steward or associated with a non-profit entity such as a municipality, Garden Club, Tree Society or Local Beautification Committee.
- Applicants must agree to install all plantings on public land and invite the general public to attend.
- The event must be held within five (5) days of Rhode Island's official day for Arbor Day.
The programs goal is to conduct at least one Arbor Day event in each of Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns. The Council will therefore reserve at least one FREE sapling for every Rhode Island community to hold it's own Arbor Day event.
Interested parties can email ritree@ritee.org to receive and print out a copy or call 401-861-1995 of the Arbor Day Program Application Form. Simply fill out the form completely snail mail, fax 401-331-7701 or e-mail to the Council's address on the form. A Council representative will contact you when your application is received at the Council's office.
“What I find especially heart warming at each tree planting ceremony is the excitement and participation of children as they join in with the planting process next to a young tree not much taller than them. The children, friends, and parents are then encouraged to return to the tree site year after year to be inspired by the growth. Their youth, as reflected in the young tree, will blossom, grow and mature, just as the tree will…to become a living legacy for them.” ~ Steven Pilz, landscape architect, RITC Arbor Day Coordinator
Comments