Regional Forester Kip Powers today reminded Marylanders that we will celebrate Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 1. This will be the 115th year that Maryland has celebrated Arbor Day , Powers said. The trees and seedlings that we plant that day will focus our attention on how important trees are to us and to our environment. DNR encourages citizens to plant trees so that future generations can enjoy their beauty, appreciate their ability to reduce soil erosion and moderate temperature and wind.
Trees also provide wood fiber, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.
Julius Sterling Morton, the Arbor Day s founder, said, All the people strive on Arbor Day to plant many, many trees, both forest and fruit. May the day and the observance be cherished in households, and its name and fruits become as a shower of blessing to the long lines of generations who shall succeed us. Additionally, the DNR Forest Service gives pine seedlings to public school third graders to help commemorate Arbor Day. In cooperation with the county school systems, the seedlings are distributed to the children with the hope that the young pine trees will be planted, nurtured and recognized as important, renewable resources.