Arbor Week began over a hundred years ago with a simple purpose; the planting and preservation of trees. Originating in Nebraska in 1872, Arbor Day, as it was then known, was set aside to care for trees; to beautify neighbourhoods and to replace forests cut down in clearing agricultural land. Still widely celebrated in communities throughout North America, the tradition has been adapted and changed to suit local customs and needs.

As the reasons that prompted the establishment of Arbor Day in 1872 are even more important and relevant today, Arbor Week assumes new significance due to our heightened awareness of environmental issues. Just a few years ago environmental problems were considered to be the concern of a relatively small group of activists. Today environmental issues are consistently high on the public agenda. We have all become environmental activists.

We are all concerned about environmental problems in our community. We have witnessed a decline in air, water and soil quality as a result of human activity. This trend can be reversed. One way of improving conditions is to turn to nature itself to rejuvenate the earth. Trees playa vital role in maintaining the balance of the earth's ecosystems. Planting trees is a simple, attractive and natural way to clean up our environment.

School children have always played an important part in Arbor Week activities. Many adults still have lasting and fond memories of tree planting done as students.

The following are general activity headings with suggestions of some specific ways to participate.

Planting a Tree or Trees in School Yard

Some obvious co-ordination of people and materials is needed for this activity to succeed. Municipal Recreation and Parks Departments are good potential partners in tree planting. A single class is usually the size most conducive to maximizing hands-on participation. A preparatory workshop one week, followed by the actual tree planting the next week, makes for a richer experience for those involved. A local person from an outdoor education centre or conservation authority would be a good resource for the workshop.

Planting Trees on Other Public Lands

This activity would have more hands on involvement for a greater number of students as well as having the potential to include the community at large. Working with the Recreation and Parks department and local neighbourhood groups could result in having new areas planted or older area ecologically restored. There is the opportunity for some very real education and co-operation of both children and adults.

Caring for Existing Trees or Environments

Caring for existing trees by pruning, mulching or creating an interpretive trail are wonderful ways for children to link their new found knowledge with action in the real world. Health of local environments such as river valley systems can be enhanced by simple activities such as litter cleanup and riverbank plantings. Participation in such activities often gives children an under- standing of the ownership they have in environmental problems and solutions.

Essays, Posters, Poems, Stories, Paintings, Books

This group of activities has something suited to every age group. Often local media are eager to promote such work. Competitions are appropriate in some cases. It is also important that every child be given an opportunity to express views and feelings free from judgment and pressure. Often various works can be collected and "published" in a book by the children.

Songs, Videos, Plays, Puppet Shows

These "group participation" activities can be fun as well as educational for both participants and viewers. There is almost unlimited opportunity to perform such efforts --from school assemblies, to seniors homes to local cable TV stations.

Visit an Arboretum or Outdoor Education Centre, Invite a Speaker

Tapping into the local resources at your disposal offers special opportunities. There are many organizations today that offer programs related to trees and environmental matters. There is also information available about sharing nature with children and making opportunities for them to deepen their connection with the natural world.

Science Projects that Demonstrate the Benefits of Trees

Fun with science is a theme that is timeless. Excellent resource material exists on experiments and scientific exploration of trees. Projects focusing on the ecological importance of trees would cover an amazing array of benefits. Resource lists, libraries, and local nature/environmental groups are all good sources for information and ideas. Many projects would gain added exposure through public display.

Other Activities

Inviting input from interesting individuals and groups is an excellent way to broaden the scope of possible activities and to work with some of the creative energy that exists in our communities.