FORT STEWART, Ga. - In early 1872, Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees.
This holiday was to be called Arbor Day and was first observed on April 10, 1872. The day was an amazing success with more than one million trees being planted.
In the years following that first Arbor Day, Morton's idea was adopted by other states. Today, all 50 states have proclaimed their own Arbor Day.
In Georgia, our state Arbor Day is honored on the third Friday in February. In addition to the various State Arbor Days, there is also a National Arbor Day which is celebrated on the last Friday in April.
On Dec. 8, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Commander, Col Kevin W. Milton, proclaimed Dec. 8 as the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Arbor Day for 2011.
This was the third annual Arbor Day for the installation and in honor of this proclamation, the Stewart-Hunter Forestry Branch coordinated a tree planting event at a Child Development Center, building 7097, on Fort Stewart.
TJ Quarles, forestry supervisor, welcomed students and staff members from the Child Development Center and gave a brief explanation of Arbor Day and the important role trees play in our everyday lives. Jeff Mangun, Forestry Branch Chief, then read and explained an Arbor Day Proclamation. After the reading of the proclamation, Bob McCarty, forestry technician, planted a dogwood tree with the assistance of students and staff members.
The tree planting served as an opportunity to educate youth on the importance of trees and protecting the environment. Also, it served as a beautification and conservation effort, and supported the Installation's initiatives as a member of Tree City USA.
Many benefits are gained by being a Tree City USA member, such as educational opportunities, a positive public image and citizen pride.
Remember, trees are a vital part of our lives!
Trees clean the atmosphere, reduce ambient temperature, and promote pride and joy by enhancing the aesthetics of communities across the nation. They provide us with wood for building and warming our homes, as well as food for both people and animals. However, most importantly ... they give us the very air we breathe.
Please, plant a tree!
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